NYCFC Acquires Defender Matt Miazga, Negotiates with Thiago Martins
The club strengthens its defense with the addition of former MLS Defender of the Year Miazga and begins contract talks with captain Martins.
New York City FC has bolstered its defensive lineup by acquiring Matt Miazga, who was waived by FC Cincinnati. The move comes as the team faces challenges following the World Cup break and a recent loss that dropped them out of playoff positioning.
Miazga, a native of Clifton, New Jersey, was a key player for FC Cincinnati, earning MLS Defender of the Year honors and being named to the MLS Best XI and All-Star teams in 2023. Despite recent injury setbacks, he has appeared in 14 MLS matches for Cincinnati this season.
"We’re excited to welcome Matt to New York City," said sporting director Todd Dunivant. "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's arrival provides much-needed depth at center back, where James Sands and captain Thiago Martins have been the primary starters. Miazga, known for his competitive nature, previously played for the Red Bulls, NYCFC's rival, and scored against his new club in 2015.
His professional career began with the Red Bulls, followed by a move to Chelsea in 2016. He spent several years on loan at various European clubs, including Vitesse, FC Nantes, Deportivo Alaves, Anderlecht, and Reading, before joining FC Cincinnati in 2022. Miazga also holds 28 caps for the U.S. men's national team.
"I’m really excited to join New York City FC and get straight to work," Miazga stated. "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."
In addition to the Miazga acquisition, NYCFC is also in contract negotiations with captain Thiago Martins. Martins confirmed that discussions have begun regarding his future with the club, as his current contract expires at the end of the season. Recent roster updates indicate that Martins' status was adjusted from a Designated Player to a TAM player to accommodate the signing of DP Bénie Traoré.
"We already started some conversations. There’s nothing…final," Martins said regarding the talks. "It’s just trying to see about numbers, about what they expect from me for the future, what they want from me."