In the build-up to his team’s Leagues Cup match-up against Chivas de Guadalajara, FC Cincinnati striker Brandon Vázquez was keen to stress the threat that their Central 2 group opponents would pose.
“We know it’s not going to be easy, but we’re ready for the challenge”, the California native pointed out in the lead-up to the game. As the only team in Mexico to win all of their games so far this season, the 2018 CONCACAF Champions League winners appeared to be a daunting foe.
For the Mexican American dual national, it would be a first ever clash against a LIGA MX team - taking on the side that tried to sign him during the off-season, no less.
The forward wasted no time in marking the occasion, as he curled in a long-range effort inside the far post before the match had even reached the two-minute mark. It was the quickest goal we’d seen at Leagues Cup so far this summer.
But Vázquez would not stop there, as he doubled the hosts’ lead just six minutes later. This time, it was a more straightforward finish, as the 24-year-old prodded in from close range after some great movement to get on the end of Álvaro Barreal’s cross.
It was a dream start for the Ohio outfit, who were looking for a win to seal their spot in the Leagues Cup playoffs, after seeing off Sporting Kansas City on penalties in their opening game. Having scored his team’s second in that dramatic 3-3 tie, Vázquez took his overall goal count for this summer’s Leagues Cup to 3 - level with none other than Lionel Messi, although just under the tournament’s top scorer Dániel Gazdag.
The former Atlanta United FC man - who represents his country of birth rather than Mexico on the international stage - is now just one strike off equalling his tally for the current MLS season. As FC Cincinnati look ahead to their Round of 32 tie, the forward will be hoping to hit the ground running in that match in the same way he did tonight.
