Matt Miazga is hardly playing like a teenager.
The 19-year-old New York Red Bulls defender was a dominant force in Friday’s 2-0 win over the San Jose Earthquakes, accomplishing something that just three players have done since 2010.
| Players with at least 8 aerials won, 8 clearances, 7 interceptions, 4 tackles since 2010 | |||||
| Date | Player | Aerials Won | Clearances | Interceptions | Tackles |
| 4/17/2015 | Matt Miazga | 8 | 8 | 7 | 4 |
| 3/9/2013 | Austin Berry | 8 | 17 | 11 | 4 |
| 4/5/2013 | Aurelien Collin | 11 | 18 | 8 | 4 |
| 5/8/2013 | Doneil Henry | 13 | 15 | 7 | 4 |
Credit: Opta Sports
None of the other players to do so were as young as Miazga, New York’s prized Homegrown Player signing who will not turn 20 until July, and two of those three performances were so busy because they came in defeat (only Collin's team won). In the Red Bulls' win over San Jose, Miazga was dominant in the air and capable of stepping outside at the right time, as he did twice against speedy San Jose winger Shea Salinas.
“I think Matt’s gotten better every single game, and now this is his best performance,” Red Bulls coach Jesse March said. “His aerial duels; he was reading plays well; when he had to make tackles, he made tackles; he was good with the ball. So he was one of the best players of the night, no doubt.”
After making only one appearance as a rookie in 2013 and then seven last year, Miazga has now started four consecutive MLS games for the first time in his career, helping the Red Bulls to a 3-0-1 mark, a pair of home shutouts and first place in the Eastern Conference.
For the 19-year-old, his breakout performances are largely due to the faith his coach has placed in him.
“I feel great,” Miazga said. “Jesse has been putting a lot of confidence in me. He really believes in me. He’s very helpful in training. He told me he’s going to help me establish myself this year. The confidence he instills in me, I feel like I’m ready to play. When he gives me opportunities, I [have to] perform and help contribute to the team.”
Miazga will now get to show off his newfound confidence at the international level as he joins the US Under-20 national team for part of Tab Ramos’ camp in Linz, Austria this week. He’ll play in Tuesday’s friendly against Qatar before returning to the US on Thursday so he can play in Sunday’s Red Bulls-Galaxy game (5 pm ET, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes).
“As each game [passes], I feel more and more confident,” Miazga said. “I feel that I can talk to the guys, even though I’m young, and I can try to show my leadership qualities every game. Now when I go to the Under-20s, they are going to be my age, and I really can be a leader there. Coach [Tab Ramos] can put his trust in me to perform and close out games.”
