Should Brandon Vázquez lead the USMNT’s attack at the World Cup?

The United States men’s national team coach, Gregg Berhalter, has struggled to find a No. 9 striker that could lead the attack during the 2022 FIFA World Cup this November. Berhalter has been leaning on Jesús Ferreira from FC Dallas in the most important games after Ricardo Pepi and Haji Wright have disappointed when given an opportunity.

There are only two matches left before the United States travel to Qatar and Brandon Vázquez hopes he can get an opportunity to showcase his talent in the upcoming friendlies. FC Cincinnati head coach Pat Noonan believes that Vázquez should receive a call up with the season he is having after the 4-4 draw against Inter Miami over the weekend.

“Brandon continues to show why he should have been an All-Star in the first place and Brenner has continued to make plays, whether it’s goals or assists for us over the past couple of months,” Noonan said. “I think the form of those two is certainly strong right now. And we know we have to continue to find ways to get them in good spots to finish plays off like they have been.”

Vázquez making a case of his own

The United States men’s national team-eligible player has been in top-form for Cincinnati during the 2022 Major League Soccer campaign. Vázquez has scored 13 goals in 22 appearances and is in the race to win the golden boot this campaign, with 11 games left in the regular season.

The USMNT manager still has doubts over the goalkeepers and strikers that will be included in the final roster for the World Cup in November. The United States will travel to Europe during the September FIFA international break to play against Japan and Saudi Arabia. This will be the last opportunity for Berhalter to make up his mind on the players that will be included in the final roster and it is expected that Vázquez will receive an opportunity in the last two friendlies.