FC Cincinnati have qualified for the knockout stage of the 2023 Leagues Cup after triumphing 3-1 over Liga MX side Club Deportivo Guadalajara 'Chivas.'
It wasn't a normal game by any means as Brandon Vazquez scored three goals in a match which saw the last 30 minutes of the game postponed due to inclement weather on two separate days. However, that didn't stop Cincinnati from picking up right where they left off on Friday, as Vazquez completed his hat trick in the 73rd minute.
But there was a more interesting storyline to the game than the weather delay. Vazquez, who's been linked with a move away from the TQL Stadium this summer window, grew up a Chivas fan and the Liga MX giants reportedly made an offer to sign him earlier this window, but Cincy rejected it as they have high hopes to finish with multiple trophies in 2023 and will need Vazquez to do so.
The former Atlanta United player wasn't even supposed to start the game and was a last minute addition to head coach Pat Noonan's side because of an injury to Sergio Santos in the warm-up.
"I always prepare for games the same way whether I'm starting or not. I eat the same meals, preparing, getting sleep and resting up," said Vazquez. "I really found out that I was starting five minutes before the team walked out so I had to throw shin guards on, put the jersey on and go outside to warm-up properly. It was a little weird."
Now, the current Supporters' Shield leaders will await to see who they take on next in the competition, which is scheduled to be one of Colorado Rapids, Nashville SC, or Toluca.
"A little unconventional in how this one played out but I'm really pleased with the performance over the course of the two days from our group against a really strong opponent," Noonan said. "We accomplished our goal being at the top of the group and getting another game here at TQL (Stadium)."
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This article was originally published on 90min as FC Cincinnati advance in Leagues Cup behind Brandon Vazquez hat trick.
