New York City FC bolstered its defense Tuesday by acquiring former MLS Defender of the Year Matt Miazga, who became available after being waived by FC Cincinnati.
The Clifton, New Jersey, native joins an NYCFC team that has struggled since the World Cup break. Friday’s loss to the New York Red Bulls pushed the club out of the playoff places.
Miazga played a key role in FC Cincinnati’s recent rise. In 2023, he was named MLS Defender of the Year, earned a spot on the MLS Best XI and was selected to the All-Star team.
Injuries have limited Miazga in recent seasons, but the 31-year-old center back has still appeared in 14 MLS matches for Cincinnati this year.
“We’re excited to welcome Matt to New York City,” sporting director Todd Dunivant said in a statement. “Matt brings experience, mentality, and a competitive edge to our backline. His leadership will be valuable as we enter the final stretch of the season.”
Miazga will provide New York City FC with added depth at center back, a position that has recently leaned heavily on James Sands and captain Thiago Martins.
Beyond his defensive experience, Miazga also brings an intense, fiery presence. Throughout his career, he has developed a reputation as an antagonistic and highly competitive player.
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Miazga began his professional career with the Red Bulls. His only goal in three seasons with NYCFC’s Hudson River Derby rival came against his new club during the first meeting between the teams at Yankee Stadium in 2015.
He transferred to Chelsea in 2016 for a reported $5 million fee and subsequently spent time on loan with Vitesse, FC Nantes, Deportivo Alaves, Anderlecht and Reading before joining FC Cincinnati in 2022.
“I’m really excited to join New York City FC and get straight to work,” Miazga said in a statement. “We have an important stretch ahead of us, and I’m ready to do everything I can to help the team compete for the playoffs and make a strong run through the rest of the season.”
Miazga has also earned 28 caps for the United States men’s national team.
Miazga’s arrival is not the only major issue occupying the attention of the New York City FC front office.
Following Friday’s defeat, Martins confirmed on “The City Boys Show” that he and the club have begun discussions about a new contract.
Martins’ current deal expires after the season. Recent MLS roster profiles for all 30 teams also showed that the captain had been moved from a Designated Player designation to a TAM player designation to make room for DP signing Bénie Traoré.
“We already started some conversations. There’s nothing…final,” Martins said. “It’s just trying to see about numbers, about what they expect from me for the future, what they want from me.”
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