News Summary
Austin FC’s leading forward, Brandon Vazquez, has been diagnosed with a torn knee ligament, sidelining him for the remainder of the MLS season. This injury, sustained during a US Open Cup match against San Jose, poses a significant challenge for the team’s offensive strategy. Despite his absence, they managed to advance to the Cup semifinals. Austin FC will place Vazquez on the season-ending injury list and looks for replacements as they prepare for their upcoming matches, including a crucial game against New England Revolution.
Austin, Texas: Austin FC Faces Setback as Star Forward Brandon Vazquez Out for Rest of Season
Austin FC has suffered a significant blow to their lineup after Brandon Vazquez, the club’s leading forward, was diagnosed with a torn knee ligament. The injury will sideline the player for the remainder of the Major League Soccer (MLS) season, impacting the team’s offensive prospects moving forward.
Details of the Injury
The injury occurred during a US Open Cup quarterfinal match against San Jose. Vazquez went down in the 69th minute after a challenge and was immediately attended to by medical staff. He required the use of a stretcher to leave the field, highlighting the severity of his injury. Medical evaluations confirmed a torn ligament, which is expected to require a lengthy recovery process.
Performance Before Injury
Prior to the injury, Vazquez was in impressive form, having scored his ninth goal of the season. His goal helped level the score at 1-1 in the match, demonstrating his importance to the team’s attacking unit. Despite his absence, Austin FC managed to advance to the US Open Cup semifinals after winning a tense penalty shootout.
Contract and Salary Details
Vazquez is a significant figure at Austin FC, having signed a four-year contract with the club for a club-record transfer fee of $10 million. His contract makes him one of the highest-paid players in the club’s history, with an annual salary of approximately $3.2 million. His contributions have been vital, tallying five goals and contributing to the team’s total of 15 goals in 19 MLS appearances this season.
Club’s Next Steps
In response to Vazquez’s injury, Austin FC will place him on the season-ending injury list and commence the rehabilitation process. The team is expected to look for a replacement in upcoming matches, with coach Nico Estevez potentially deploying Myrto Uzuni to fill Vazquez’s role in the offensive lineup.
Upcoming Fixtures
Looking ahead, Austin FC is scheduled to face New England Revolution in their next MLS match. This game will be critical as the team adapts to the absence of Vazquez, aiming to maintain their form and remain competitive in the league standings.
Other MLS Injury and Disciplinary Updates
St. Louis CITY SC: Rasmus Alm on Season-Ending List
In other league news, Rasmus Alm of St. Louis CITY SC has been placed on the 2025 Season-Ending Injury List following medical consultations related to osteitis pubis and other injuries. This decision prevents Alm from participating in any of the remaining first-team competitions for the rest of the season, according to MLS regulations.
Match Preview: Inter Miami vs. Nashville SC
The upcoming MLS fixture features Inter Miami hosting Nashville SC. Inter Miami is looking to build on recent success, including two braces scored by Lionel Messi in its last four MLS games. The team has rarely played at their second home, Chase Stadium, since May 31, and will aim to improve their standing, currently fifth in the Eastern Conference with 35 points.
Nashville SC, on the other hand, remains one of the league’s top teams, remaining undefeated in their last 15 matches and winning their last five consecutively. With 41 points, they occupy second place in the Eastern Conference. Nashville boasts Sam Surridge, the league’s top scorer with 16 goals, and will look to continue their winning streak.
Team News and Match Details
Inter Miami faces challenges due to injuries to defenders Ian Fray and Noah Allen. Meanwhile, Drake Callender is close to returning from injury, providing a boost for the team. For Nashville, midfielder Jonathan Perez is suspended after receiving a red card in the previous match.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 7:45 PM EST / 4:45 PM PST. Historically, these teams have faced each other 14 times with a fairly balanced record—Inter Miami has won 5, Nashville has won 4, and 5 matches have ended in draws.
Summary
This weekend’s MLS fixture list features significant injury updates and competitive matchups. Austin FC will continue their season without their key striker Brandon Vazquez, who is expected to undergo a lengthy recovery. Meanwhile, Nashville SC remains a dominant force in the Eastern Conference, seeking to extend their winning streak. Fans and analysts will be watching to see how these developments influence the league standings and team performances as the season approaches its conclusion.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Statesman: Brandon Vazquez Injury Report
- St. Louis CITY SC: Rasmus Alm Injury Announcement
- Athlon Sports: Inter Miami vs Nashville Match Preview
- Miami Herald: Inter Miami Update
- Google Search: MLS Injuries Updates
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
