Making the Case: Matt Miazga, 2018 Male Player of the Year
Matt Miazga led all MNT defenders in appearances, while also standing out in his final season with Dutch Eredivisie side Vitesse in 2018.
On Tuesday, Nov. 20, U.S. Soccer announced the five nominees for 2018 U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year. This year's nominees include midfielders Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie and Will Trapp; defender Matt Miazga and goalkeeper Zack Steffen. ussoccer.com continues “Making the Case” for each of the candidates with MNT defender Matt Miazga
Though he held four appearances coming into the year, Miazga used 2018 to establish his place on the MNT back line. The 23-year-old defender’s seven caps led all MNT center backs in appearances, while his 597 minutes place him third behind only Wil Trapp and Tyler Adams.
WATCH: Miazga Serves Assist for Bobby Wood on June 2 at Ireland
The Clifton, N.J. product logged 90 minutes to help the MNT keep clean sheets in matching 1-0 victories against Paraguay on March 27 and Mexico on Sept. 11. He also served up the assist on Bobby Wood’s goal, earning Man of the Match honors in the 2-1 defeat to Ireland on June 2.
Miazga finished his second season on loan with Dutch side Vitesse strong, playing in 19 of 21 possible during the back half of the Eredivisie campaign. The center back also provided three goals, including the game-winner in the second leg of the Eredivisie’s UEFA Europa League playoff, ensuring European football for the club in his last match.
RISING: Matt Miazga’s Path to the U.S. Men’s National Team
Miazga has appeared in eight more league matches while on loan with French Ligue 1 side Nantes this season.
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Matt Miazga – 2018 Statistics |
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|
Team |
GP |
GS |
MIN |
Goals |
Assists |
|
U.S. MNT |
7 |
7 |
597 |
0 |
1 |
|
Vitesse |
19 |
19 |
1672 |
3 |
0 |
|
Nantes |
8 |
8 |
720 |
0 |
0 |