Vazquez star of the show in FC Cincinnati win

After a weather delay that pushed FC Cincinnati’s Leagues Cup group stage game from Thursday evening to Friday afternoon, FCC finally finished its game with Chivas de Guadalajara, winning 3-1. Striker Brandon Vazquez scored his first career hat trick for Cincinnati to propel the team over the Liga MX side.

Cincinnati clinched the top spot of the three-team group, with victories over Sporting Kansas City, whom Cincinnati beat last Sunday, and Chivas.

FC Cincinnati Leagues CupBrandon Vazquez hattrick lifts FC Cincinnati past Chivas Guadalajara | Replay

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Vazquez scored his first and third goals roughly 18 hours apart due to the delays.

“It’s a weird feeling for sure,” Vazquez said, “it felt like a different game.”

Vazquez, who wasn’t slated to start the game Thursday until minutes prior due to a Sergio Santos hamstring issue, scored his first goal 90 seconds into the game. From the left side of the top of the 18-yard box, Vazquez received the ball and pushed it towards his right foot which in turn sent a curling, powerful ball past the keeper.

“We said he can never warm up with the team again,” defender Nick Hagglund said jokingly of Vazquez’s hot start. “I’m really happy for him. Three great goals, the first one in particular, but he’s been knocking on the door so you could see this coming.”

Vazquez said he always prepares for the games the same, regardless of whether or not he starts. It felt “weird” being thrown into the lineup last minute, though.

Just minutes after his first, eight minutes into the game, Vazquez slotted in his second goal via a low cross from Alvaro Barreal, giving Cincinnati an early 2-0 lead. It was important to get out early in the game and score, Vazquez emphasized.

“It shows that we dictate the tempo of the game, that we’re on top, and we’re hungry. I think it caught (Chivas) off guard and it gives us an advantage for sure,” he said.

The final goal (scored on Friday) of Vazquez’s hat trick came once again from a low, pacey cross from the left foot of Barreal. Alvaro provided the assists for Vazquez’s second and third goals against Chivas and was – once again – dangerous out on the left flank.

“As soon as I see Alvaro on the ball, I’m making movements in the box and getting into little spaces — create a little space between me and the defender,” Vazquez said. “All I’m looking for is good delivery, and now I know I can put it in the back of the net.”

During interviews Barreal walked by Vazquez, chirping on his way out of TQL Stadium. Barreal said, “of course, Brandon” regarding his two assists to his teammate and in turn Vazquez responded, “thank you.”

The hat trick meant Vazquez took home the game ball signed by all of his teammates, and it was all smiles after the game.

Vazquez is only the second player in FC Cincinnati history to score a hattrick for the club, former striker Brenner being the other. Vazquez now has 14 goals across all competitions this season, including for the United States, and has picked up steam in the second half of the season. His performance against Chivas is arguably one of his best for the orange and blue, and many agree.

“You look at his performance on top of the hattrick — just the way he started the game and the way he finished of those plays, the movement, it was one of his strongest games,” head coach Pat Noonan said. “For him to be able to switch gears on short notice and perform like that, it speaks to Brandon’s character.”