CINCINNATI – FC Cincinnati has signed All-Star forward Brandon Vazquez to a contract extension through the 2025 season, with an option for 2026.

The club made the announcement Thursday morning amid Vazquez’s breakout season in the Orange and Blue. Now in his third season in Cincinnati, the 23-year-old is third in Major League Soccer with 15 goals this season, and he’s added four assists in his 25 appearances.

Per club policy, FCC didn’t disclose specific financial terms of the deal.

“We are delighted to keep Brandon with FC Cincinnati for years to come,” Chris Albright, the team's general manager, said in a statement. “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.”

Earlier this season, Vazquez and teammate Luciano Acosta became the first FCC players named to an MLS All-Star roster. 

During his almost-three seasons in Cincinnati, Vazquez has racked up a number of club records, including goals in a single season (15), career goals (21) and shots on goal (50). He also ranks second in MLS appearances (75) and third in assists (nine) over that period.

His breakout performance in 2022 follows a strong run at the end of 2021, where he netted four goals and added three assists. He became the first player in club history to score in three consecutive matches last October, a feat he surpassed this season with a four-game streak from July 23 to Aug. 13.

Vazquez’s personal success this season has helped FC Cincinnati to its best-ever MLS campaign. With eight regular season games left, FCC sits ninth in the Eastern Conference, within striking distance of playoff position.

The club had finished last in its conference, each of its first three seasons in the league.

FC Cincinnati takes on Columbus Crew Saturday night in a home match at TQL Stadium. The Crew currently holds a 1-point advantage over FCC for seventh and final conference playoff spot.

“I’m extremely thankful to continue to be a part of FC Cincinnati,” Vazquez said in a statement. “Over the past three years, I have made Cincinnati my home, and I’m excited to continue to work hard for this club. I want to thank the organization, my coaches, teammates and especially the fans, who have supported me along the way.”

FC Cincinnati acquired Vazquez in a trade with Nashville SC in November 2019 following the 2019 MLS Expansion Draft. Nashville selected Vazquez in the fourth round from Atlanta United FC. In three seasons with Atlanta, Vazquez made a combined 32 appearances, including seven starts, and scored three goals and added two assists.

A Chula Vista, Calif. native, Vazquez made his MLS debut at 18-years-old. As a youth player, he was a regular performer for the United States’s men’s team, taking part in Under-17, U-19 and U-20 levels. He was one of two players, along with Chelsea FC’s Christian Pulisic, to score for the U.S. at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup.