Forward has notched four goals with U.S. U-19s in 2016, including game-winner against Spain
Atlanta United today announced it has acquired 18-year-old forward Brandon Vazquez from Club Tijuana. A Discovery Signing, Vazquez, currently with the U.S. U-19 Men’s National Team, officially becomes the ninth player to join Atlanta United.
“Brandon is an exciting addition to the foundation we’re building with our roster,” team president Darren Eales said. “Our club is committed to identifying and securing young and exciting prospects nearing the prime of their careers, and Brandon is another example of that. He has a bright future for club and country and we’re pleased he’s decided to sign with us.”
Vazquez was born in Chula Vista, Calif. and made his U.S. National Team debut on Feb. 20, 2015 with the U-17s during a 5-2 win over Bermuda. Two days later in a rematch, Vazquez scored a hat-trick in a 4-0 rout. Later that year, he was named to head coach Richie Williams’ 21-man roster for the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile. Despite failing to reach the knockout rounds, Vazquez played a huge role for the U.S., scoring two of their three goals in group play. He gave the U.S. a 2-0 lead against Croatia on Oct. 20, 2015 and put the U.S. ahead of Chile three days later. The only other goal scored in the tournament by the U.S. was by Christian Pulisic.
This year with the U.S. U-19s, Vazquez has already scored four goals, including the game-winner against Spain in the 2016 COTIF Tournament, a highlight-reel free kick from 30 yards out to defeat the hosts in group play. This was Spain’s only loss in the tournament as they went on to defeat Argentina in the Final. Vazquez also scored in September against Serbia in the Stevan-Vilotic Cele Tournament.
“Brandon has the natural goal scoring ability you look for in young forwards,” Atlanta United Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra said. “He’ll have every opportunity to contribute to our First Team and to develop and progress with the National Team.”
The upcoming MLS offseason will officially begin on Sunday, Dec. 11. The MLS Expansion Draft will be held Tuesday, Dec. 13 with Atlanta United and Minnesota United FC each selecting five players when the draft begins at 2 p.m. Later in the day, MLS Free Agency will begin at 5 p.m. The MLS Waiver Draft is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 15 at 2 p.m. and the MLS Re-Entry Process will begin with Stage One on Friday, Dec. 16 at 3 p.m. and Stage Two to begin on Thursday, Dec. 22 at 3 p.m.
