AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Brandon Vazquez rejoined Major League Soccer on Monday when Austin announced it reached a transfer agreement to acquire the 26-year-old forward from Mexican club Monterrey. Vazquez agreed to a four-year contract, which includes an option for 2029. The team did not specify whether the option belonged to the club or to Vazquez. An MLS All-Star in 2022, Vazquez has had notable performances throughout his career, playing for Atlanta (2017-19) and Cincinnati (2022-23), where he scored 26 goals over 62 regular-season games.
After joining Monterrey last January, he made quite the impact by netting 14 goals across all competitions during his time there. Vazquez also made strides on the international stage, contributing four goals across 11 appearances for the United States, including performances against Serbia, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Canada during the CONCACAF Gold Cup this year.
Meanwhile, the Jacksonville Jaguars faced unexpected delays after returning home on Monday from Indianapolis, where they spent seven hours waiting on the tarmac during severe winter weather. The National Weather Service reported heavy snow with accumulations of 2 to 5 inches, along with freezing drizzle and wind gusts reaching up to 40 mph. The Jaguars were hoping to leave before the worst of the storm but were stuck after their game against the Colts extended to overtime, resulting in their 26-23 loss.
They were finally cleared for departure at 1 a.m. EST, landing back in Jacksonville two hours later, just to delay owner Shad Khan’s previously scheduled meeting with coach Doug Pederson, where they were expected to discuss the team's future direction. The Kansas City Chiefs, on the other hand, luckily avoided the storm by staying over night in Denver following their matchup against the Broncos.
Shifting to basketball, the New York Knicks faced challenges as Karl-Anthony Towns was sidelined Monday night due to soreness in his right knee, leaving the team without the NBA's leading rebounder for their game against the Orlando Magic. Having hurt himself toward the end of Saturday's game against Chicago, Towns was considered questionable to play before the decision was finalized to have him sit out. Currently, he is averaging 25.3 points and 14 rebounds this season.
His absence left Jericho Sims slated to start at center. The Magic, on the other hand, are grappling with even worse injury woes, with key players such as Paolo Banchero, Jalen Suggs, Franz Wagner, and Moritz Wagner also sidelined.
Lastly, the Texas Rangers made news by signing veteran reliever Chris Martin to a one-year contract on Monday night. The signing marks Martin's return to the team he pitched for during the 2018 and 2019 seasons. The 38-year-old had a solid season last year with Boston, where he achieved a 3.45 ERA over 45 relief appearances, and struck out 50 batters during his time on the mound. His impressive control was highlighted by recording the fewest walks by qualified major league relievers, having only three walks to show for his performances.
With Martin rejoining the Rangers, he brings with him 369 games of experience — primarily as a relief pitcher — and holds career stats of a 3.38 ERA and 14 saves. Martin’s career has seen him move through teams such as Colorado, Atlanta, the New York Yankees, Japan, and the Chicago Cubs, and now back to Texas after being traded in 2019. To clear room for Martin, the Rangers designated right-hander Matt Festa for assignment and earlier traded Owen White to Cincinnati for cash.