Austin's Vazquez faces long layoff with torn ACL

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Austin forward Brandon Vazquez tore his right ACL, an injury that will hamper his chances of making the U.S. roster for next year's World Cup.

The 26-year-old was hurt during Tuesday night's U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal against San Jose. Austin said Thursday he will have season-ending surgery.

Vazquez fell without contact in the 69th minute, four minutes after converting a penalty kick that tied the score 1-1. He was removed from the field on a stretcher.

An MLS All-Star, Vazquez joined Austin from Monterrey in January and leads the team with nine goals in all competitions this season. He has four goals in 11 appearances for the U.S. but was not on the CONCACAF Gold Cup roster.

Austin won 4-2 on penalty kicks after a 2-2 draw and plays Minnesota on Sept. 16.

___

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer