United States Men’s National Team head coach Gregg Berhalter has admitted he’s keeping a close eye on in-form FC Cincinnati striker Brandon Vazquez.
The former Atlanta United forward has been in red-hot form this season, scoring six goals and assisting another two in 11 MLS appearances. That’s following on from ending the 2021 campaign with four goals and two assists in his final nine outings.
Vazquez wasn’t named on the 27-man USMNT roster for June’s Nations League games and friendlies, but Berhalter revealed he would get his chance before long if he keeps up his current form.
“He’s close,” Berhalter said. “If he continues to score goals at [this] rate and his team continues to win, I’m sure there will be an opportunity for him in the future. I don’t know what that means in terms of timing, but he’s a guy we’ve been impressed with his play.”
During an exclusive interview with 90min back in April, Vazquez admitted playing for the United States and, eventually, moving to Europe have long been goals.
“That’s something I’ve had as a goal throughout my whole career,” he said. “I want to get called up to the national team. I eventually want to make that jump over to Europe, and compete in some of the most competitive leagues and against some of the best teams in the world.
“So it is a goal of mine. But right now, I just have to focus on performing here with Cincinnati, and when that day comes, I’m ready for it.”
BRANDON. VAZQUEZ.
Two straight games with a brace for the @fccincinnati forward. ? pic.twitter.com/3NavlK9Cl0
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 19, 2022
Vazquez faces still competition for the USMNT’s No. 9 spot, with FC Dallas striker Jesus Ferreira enjoying a purple patch in MLS and Antalyaspor youngster Haji Wright getting a call-up for the June fixtures.
The likes of Josh Sargent, Jordan Pefok, Ricardo Pepi, and Daryl Dike all missed out on the latest roster due to fitness and form concerns but all have a strong chance of returning to the fold ahead of the World Cup in Qatar.
