Atlanta United Report Cards: Brandon Vazquez

Brandon Vazquez

Position: Forward

Games Played: 11

Goals: 2

Assists: 1

What went right this season?

He made fewer appearances this year than he did under Tata Martino in 2017, but he played nearly three times the minutes under Frank de Boer than his past two years combined. Overall he made seven starts this season, which is a drastic improvement to previous seasons.However, the majority of these starts came during the international break when Josef Martinez was away for Venezuela at Copa America, along with time on the wing later in the season. Not to mention he also had four key goals (two against Charleston, and two against St. Louis FC) during the Lamar Hunt U.S Open Cup run to eventually propel Atlanta to the final.

What does he need to improve on?

Vazquez’s biggest liability at this point is his finishing in the final third, but his link up play and combinations with either Ezequiel Barco or Pity Martinez has been a bright spot in his limited playing time this year. He is still very young and still developing but he could be a key part of the roster next year, especially if Josef Martinez is hurt and someone is needed to play as the natural forward in de Boer’s preferred 4-4-3. He could also work in a two striker system, with Josef as the center forward and himself as the second striker (something we have seen when chasing a goal late) and be the transition point between the midfielders and Josef.

What role will he play in 2020?

Vazquez was selected by Nashville SC in the Expansion Draft and then traded to FC Cincinnati. Good luck, Brandon!

Overall Player Grade: C+