FC Cincinnati Leagues Cup Progress: Brandon Vazquez Shines with Hat Trick

FC Cincinnati secures a spot in the knockout stage of the 2023 Leagues Cup with Brandon Vazquez's hat trick against Chivas.

FC Cincinnati has secured a spot in the knockout stage of the 2023 Leagues Cup with an impressive 3-1 victory over Club Deportivo Guadalajara 'Chivas' from Liga MX. The match was far from ordinary, as it was interrupted by inclement weather on two separate days, leading to a 30-minute postponement. However, this did not deter Cincinnati, as Brandon Vazquez shined with a hat trick, completing his third goal in the 73rd minute.

While the weather delay was a notable aspect of the game, there was an even more intriguing storyline at play. Vazquez, who has been the subject of transfer rumors this summer, grew up as a Chivas fan. It was reported that the Liga MX giants made an offer to sign him, but Cincinnati rejected it, as they have high aspirations for the 2023 season and see Vazquez as a key player in their pursuit of multiple trophies.

Interestingly, Vazquez was not initially slated to start the game. He was a last-minute addition to the lineup due to an injury to Sergio Santos during warm-up. Despite the sudden change, Vazquez maintained his focus and prepared for the match as he would for any other game.

Reflecting on his unexpected start, Vazquez shared, "I always prepare for games the same way whether I'm starting or not. I eat the same meals, prepare, get sleep, and rest up. I really found out that I was starting five minutes before the team walked out, so I had to quickly put on my shin guards, jersey, and warm up properly. It was a little weird."

With their victory, FC Cincinnati, currently leading the Supporters' Shield standings, now awaits their next opponent in the competition. The potential contenders include the Colorado Rapids, Nashville SC, or Toluca.

Head coach Pat Noonan expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance over the two days, considering the unusual circumstances. "A little unconventional in how this one played out, but I'm really pleased with the performance from our group against a strong opponent," Noonan stated. "We achieved our goal of finishing at the top of the group and securing another home game at TQL Stadium."

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