Brandon Vazquez: 'Patient' striker praised after debut USMNT goal

United States Men's National Team interim head coach Anthony Hudson heaped praise on striker Brandon Vazquez following his debut goal on Wednesday.

Making his long-awaited first appearance for the Stars and Stripes against Serbia at LAFC's BMO Stadium, Vazquez struck in the 29th minute, heading home an excellent cross from former Atlanta United teammate and fellow debutant Julian Gressel.

The Stars and Stripes failed to hold onto their lead, eventually losing 2-1.

Vazquez's goal comes after an excellent 2022 campaign for FC Cincinnati, during which he hit 20 goals and eight assists in 37 appearances across all competitions to help the club reach the MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time.

The 24-year-old striker has had to bide his time for a chance with the senior national team but certainly grasped it with both hands on Wednesday.

"It's interesting because I thought all night long we got into some really good positions in wide areas. And our final ball was not great,” Hudson said after the match. “That was the first time we put in a really good cross, and it was an outstanding header.

"And I'm really, really pleased with Brandon, because he's obviously had to be patient. And he's come in, he's had a few days training, you can tell he’s someone that wants to be here, that this is a big moment for him. So for him to get that goal and the type of goal it was, was really, really pleasing.”

Vazquez will get another chance to impress when this experimental USMNT side, made up of MLS players and Europe-based youngsters, face Colombia at LA Galaxy's Dignity Health Sports Park on Saturday.