Austin FC striker Brandon Vazquez left Tuesday's US Open Cup quarterfinal win at the San Jose Earthquakes on a stretcher after suffering a non-contact injury.
Vazquez crumbled to the pitch when his right foot planted awkwardly on a stepover, and appeared to break out in tears as he was stretchered off the field in the 72nd minute and replaced by Žan Kolmanič.
The 26-year-old US international is in his debut season with Austin, posting 9g/1a across all competitions since arriving from LIGA MX side CF Monterrey for a then-club-record fee.
Four of those goals have come in the US Open Cup, including a 65th-minute penalty kick that leveled the score for the Verde & Black in their eventual 4-2 PK shootout win at PayPal Park.
Vazquez was recently named to the 2025 MLS All-Star Roster as one of two Austin FC representatives – along with goalkeeper Brad Stuver – for the marquee summer showcase that will take place at their home venue of Q2 Stadium on July 23 (9 pm ET | MLS Season Pass).
Additionally, Vazquez is one of four nominees to wear the captain's armband for the MLS All-Stars, who will face the LIGA MX All-Stars for the second straight year.
