March 4, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – FC Cincinnati News Release
Brandon Vazquez’s introduction to FC Cincinnati was an understated one. After being left unprotected in the 2019 expansion draft by Atlanta United FC and then selected in the fourth round by Nashville SC, FCC acquired the young forward for a meager $150,000 in Allocation Money. At the time, Vazquez was a promising talent with three goals in 32 MLS appearances, but hardly the star he would become in Cincinnati.
But like many stories that follow the hero’s journey, great things come from small beginnings.
By the time Vazquez’s time at FC Cincinnati had come to an end, those great things came to pass. From struggling to break into the lineup with Atlanta to helping lead FC Cincinnati to the playoffs for the first time in 2022 and the Supporters’ Shield last season, all while becoming the club’s all-time leading scorer, Cincinnati witnessed Brandon Vazquez become the man he is today, and Brandon Vazquez became the man he is because of Cincinnati.
CF Monterrey and their supporters received him this offseason, after the club’s high profile transfer for the striker. Rayados received a heralded star, an MLS All-Star and Best XI member.
Journalists and photographers mobbed Vazquez at the airport upon arriving in Monterrey for the first time. Fans quickly named him Superman after the classic DC Comics character and Vazquez’s signature pose after scoring a goal, posing with his fists on his hips like The Last Son of Krypton would. Rayados quickly took to supporting this alter ego as fans flooded Estadio BBVA with oversized framed glasses and red capes to fully capture the Kryptonians’ look to support their new Superman.
Rayados supporters received Kal-El after he became The Man of Steel. Now, Clark comes home to Kent Farm for a reunion.
“Cincinnati has a special place in my heart,” Vazquez said in a goodbye video in January after his transfer was made official. “I’ll cherish the memories that I’ve had here forever.
“I’ve loved this club since day one. The best years of my career have been here…the best years of my life have been here. Having Cincinnati fans at my back the last four years have pushed me to be able to achieve what I’ve been able to do.”
When Vazquez left for CF Monterrey of Liga MX, this matchup was a possibility. The draw for the Concacaf Champions Cup had been set and both clubs were just a Round One victory away from meeting. Now the time has come, Rayados comes to TQL Stadium…
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