It was just about six months ago that Brandon Vincent, playing in the state of California, came on as a second-half substitute for his first appearance with the U.S. Men’s National Team.
And while his introduction into the AT&T MLS All-Star Game vs. Arsenal may not quite rise to the level of a first international cap, Vincent will surely look back fondly on Thursday’s festivities under sunny San Jose skies.
MORE: Match Report | MLS All-Star Game Matchcenter
Vincent came on in the 57th minute to replace FC Dallas’ Kellyn Acosta at left back for the MLS side, lining up opposite the 2015-16 Premier League runners-up and adding the latest memorable moment to his eventful last 12 months.
Vincent, who has started 12 of his 13 appearances for the Fire in 2016, was able to display his usual skill-set, getting into the attack on more than one occasion and registering one shot. Vincent wasn't able to prevent the eventual game-winning goal, however, as Arsenal's Chuba Akpom came free in the 6-yard box and tapped in a tidy service by Nacho Monreal in the 87th minute.
His return to the Bay Area in the books, the Stanford product will now rejoin his teammates in preparation for Sunday's showdown at home against the Eastern Conference's second-place New York Red Bulls (6 p.m. CT, CSN Chicago) and, in 12 days, a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup semifinal at the New England Revolution.
