Austin FC’s U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal victory over the San Jose Earthquakes in July marked a historic milestone, as the club advanced to its first-ever semifinal.
While the night was one of celebration, it was overshadowed by a major setback — losing All-Star striker Brandon Vázquez for the remainder of the season to a torn ACL.
His absence looms large for Austin FC, potentially derailing both its playoff push and hopes of lifting the club’s first U.S. Open Cup trophy.
“We have to try to get the best out of each guy we have,” goalkeeper Brad Stuver said following Vázquez’s injury. “We definitely need to look at that and try to score some goals during the second half of the season.”
Since Vázquez’s injury, Austin FC head coach Nico Estévez has turned to Myrto Uzuni, who signed in January, to lead the front line heading into the final stretch of the season.
Uzuni has scored two goals in three matches, helping lift Austin FC to seventh place in the Western Conference, two spots higher than the club stood when Vazquez went down. His form could prove pivotal as Austin chases a playoff berth.
“The more you score, the more confidence you have in your attacking,” forward Osman Bukari said. “As you can see with Uzuni, two goals and one assist is very important for a striker and has led to two wins.”
Uzuni joined the club during the winter transfer window as a designated player after a three-year stint with Granada CF in Spain’s second division. The Albanian international made 106 appearances for the Spanish side, tallying 49 goals and eight assists as the team’s primary striker.
“Myrto is a player that finds really good movements behind the opponent’s backline and reads really well when the centerback is out of position,” head coach Nico Estévez said. “He’s a really fast player with good timing, and he gives a little bit more of a threat running in behind.”
At the time of his transfer, Uzuni was Granada’s leading scorer, with 14 goals in 18 appearances during the fall of 2024. He was initially expected to be Austin FC’s focal point in attack, but Vázquez’s arrival in January created a competitive battle for minutes in head coach Nico Estévez’s starting 11.
Throughout the season, Uzuni primarily served as Vázquez’s backup, making substitute appearances in league play and earning occasional starts in the early rounds of the U.S. Open Cup.
But with Vázquez’s injury, Uzuni has seized his opportunity to shine.
