Brandon Vazquez normally spends Friday mornings on the Mercy Health Training Center practice fields. Last Friday, though, he sat on his couch wondering when he’ll see the fields again.
As FC Cincinnati fans wait for the 2020 MLS regular season to resume, the players await their return to MHTC. MLS has a training moratorium scheduled through April 24, but that deadline could extend – similar to the three previous training moratoriums.
“I try to stay positive as much as I can, but who really knows when the season could start?” Vazquez said Friday during a video conference call. “After these 30 days, they could add another 30 days, and then maybe another.”
Vazquez, who joined Cincinnati ahead of the 2020 season after three years with Atlanta United FC, said he’s been with his girlfriend in their apartment during the league-wide suspension.
Photo taken by Michael Millay.
While days used to be spent practicing or playing – Sunday would’ve been a rematch against Atlanta at Nippert Stadium – the forward now finds himself exercising alone, playing video games and board games to pass time.
The Orange and Blue have continued normalcy as much as possible. During a call last week, interim head coach Yoann Damet said he’ll speak with every player this week to provide feedback about their game and where there could be potential growth.
For Vazquez, that means building upon his two appearances in as many games earlier this season. The 21-year-old striker provided an assist for FCC’s first goal this campaign when he found Allan Cruz for a second-half goal at the New York Red Bulls.
Vazquez said he’s looking forward to the call with Damet, but it can’t replicate being on the field.
“I just want to play,” the player said. “I just want to get back to work, I want to get back to the training facility and be back with the team.”
