Brandon Vazquez has excelled as one of the top forwards in MLS this season and FC Cincinnati rewarded him with a long-term contract extension Thursday.
Vazquez was signed through the 2025 season, with an option for 2026, the club announced Thursday. The 23-year-old is currently in his third season with FC Cincy, having scored a club-record 21 career goals for the Eastern Conference club. A total of 15 goals have been scored by Vazquez so far in 2022.
“We are delighted to keep Brandon with FC Cincinnati for years to come,” said FC Cincinnati General Manager Chris Albright. “Re-signing Brandon was a major priority for us this summer, as he has proven he can be one of the league’s best forwards. He has been a vital part of our success this season thanks to his character and dedication to the game, and we are excited to have him as a foundational piece going forward.”
Vazquez was originally acquired by FC Cincinnati in November 2019 in a trade with Nashville SC following the 2019 MLS Expansion Draft. In three seasons with Atlanta United, Vazquez made a combined 32 appearances, including seven starts, scoring three goals and adding two assists.
He is currently third in the MLS Golden Boot race this season.
Here is a closer look at all of Thursday’s MLS News:
LAFC loans defender Fall to Villarreal
Mamadou Fall has been on the radar of La Liga club Villarreal over recent weeks and the young defender will now head to Spain for the next 10 months.
Fall was loaned by LAFC to Villarreal until June 2023, LAFC announced Thursday. LAFC retains the right to call the 19-year-old defender, should the Western Conference club decide to do so.
Fall has totaled 35 regular season appearances for LAFC since signing with the club in 2021 from the Soccer Institute of Montverde Academy in Orlando, Florida. Giorgio Chiellini’s arrival in Steve Cherundolo’s squad however pushed Fall lower in the pecking order this season.
“This is an exciting opportunity for Mamadou, and one that we felt was right at this stage of his career,” LAFC co-president and general manager John Thorrington said in a release. “He is an incredible prospect with great potential who now has the chance to develop further at a top European club. We will be monitoring his progress closely and wish him all the best with Villarreal.”
Fall is the second LAFC player that is heading out of the club in as many days, joining Brian Rodriguez on the departure list.
Charlotte FC’s Shinyashiki, Bronico sign new deals
Charlotte FC has signed two of its key players to new contracts on Thursday, keeping Andre Shinyashiki and Brandt Bronico long-term.
Shinyashiki signed a new contract through the 2025 season with a club option for 2026, while Bronico’s contract has been extended through 2025 with an option for 2026.
Shinyashiki was acquired from the Colorado Rapids in May and has proceeded to score five league goals for the Eastern Conference club. He is second on the team in goals this season.
“We’re excited to sign Andre to a new long-term contract, and we’re delighted with his performance for the Club so far this season,” said Sporting Director Zoran Krneta. “We are proud to establish ourselves as a Club where young, talented players like Andre want to spend the prime parts of their careers. Andre’s passion and fire on the pitch has endeared himself to our fans from day one and he will be an integral part of our plan as we continue to build a competitive Club for seasons to come.”
Bronico is second in minutes played for Charlotte FC, totaling 2,344 minutes in 28 league appearances so far. He has scored one goal and added three assists this season.
“I’m extremely excited to sign an extension with Charlotte FC and I’m grateful for the continued trust and belief the Club has put in me. I look forward to being a part of the journey as we grow over the next few years,” said Bronico. “Most importantly, I can’t wait to bring an MLS Cup home to Charlotte and celebrate with our amazing fans.”
Revolution signs veteran midfielder Polster to contract extension
Matt Polster was also the beneficiary of a new contract on Thursday, signing a two-year extension with the New England Revolution.
Polster’s contract will run through the 2024 MLS season, and will include an additional one-year option for 2025. He is currently in his seventh MLS season and third with the Revolution, totaling 66 appearances, four goals and four assists for the Eastern Conference club.
“We are pleased to have signed Matt Polster to a new contract with the Revolution,” Sporting Director and Head Coach Bruce Arena said. “He has been a great contributor both on and off the field, and we look forward to his continued contributions to our team for many years.”
Polster has totaled 148 league appearances and close to 11,000 minutes played in MLS. He also made 10 appearances in the Scottish Premiership with Rangers FC and has earned one cap with the U.S. men’s national team.
The Revolution sit just outside of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.