Austin FC’s Brandon Vazquez is set for an emotional return home when his side take on San Diego FC this weekend.

Vazquez was raised in San Diego but the closest club to him was Tijuana in Mexico.

The forward would have to cross the border as a child to get to the training facilities in Tijuana.

Vazquez spent time with Atalanta United and FC Cincinnati in MLS before a move to Monterrey in Liga MX. He secured a switch to Austin ahead of the 2205 season and will now be able to play in his hometown for the first time.

And he is relishing the chance to feature in front of his family in the place where he grew up.

"Going back and playing in my hometown is going to be incredible," Vazquez said.

"Growing up, I would’ve never thought San Diego would have a team. Now that there is one, being able to play in front of my family is special, I’m excited for it."

Although it will be a nice reunion for Vazquez, it is still a vital game in Austin’s hopes for a spot in the playoffs.

Austin are just outside the playoff spots, sitting 10th in the Western Conference, while San Diego sit in second after a brilliant start to their first season in MLS.

Vazquez admitted he was hoping for a better start with his club but things are slowly starting to come together.

"Unfortunately, it’s felt like a slow progression. Ideally, we would be firing on all cylinders, all the forwards scoring goals every time we have a chance, you know?" Vazquez added.

"But we’ve been figuring out the formation every single game, changing game plans every once in a while to try to see what fits best for us."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

San Diego FC – Hirving Lozano

Hirving Lozano has got off to a brilliant start to life in the MLS, scoring five goals and assisting six in 13 league games.

He scored a 95th-minute winner against the LA Galaxy in their last home match, which extended their unbeaten run to five games at the time.

Austin FC – Brandon Vazquez

Vazquez has been the most prolific player for Austin, netting on four occasions, including three match-opening goals.

However, the forward is looking to end a three-game scoreless run in the league.

MATCH PREDICTION – SAN DIEGO WIN

San Diego has collected 18 points through its first nine home MLS matches (W5 D3 L1). San Diego conceded three times in its lone loss, a 3—1 defeat to Real Salt Lake in April, while allowing four total goals in its other eight home matches.

Austin are desperate to halt a run of seven straight winless MLS matches as they travel to face San Diego at Snapdragon Stadium on Saturday.

The previous MLS fixture between the teams saw Austin win 2-1 at Q2 Stadium in March. Vazquez opened the scoring for Austin FC in the 10th minute. Jon Gallagher also found the net. Luca de la Torre scored the lone goal for San Diego in the 27th minute.

In their last six league matches, San Diego have won four, drawn one and lost one. Austin, meanwhile, have drawn four and lost two in their last six.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

San Diego FC – 49.9%

Austin FC – 24.8%

Draw – 25.3%