New York City FC claim Matt Miazga off waivers through end of 2026 season

New York City FC announced Tuesday that it has claimed defender Matt Miazga off waivers through the end of the 2026 MLS season. The move follows Miazga being waived by FC Cincinnati last week, making him eligible for selection.

Miazga, a 31-year-old center back, returns to MLS after his earlier stint with English club Chelsea FC. After his return to the league in August 2022, he made 108 appearances for FC Cincinnati across all competitions and earned MLS Defender of the Year, Best XI and All-Star recognition in 2023.

The defender is also connected to New York soccer history. A Red Bull New York homegrown product, Miazga turned pro with RBNY in 2013 and made 42 appearances for the club before moving on to other stops in Europe.

FC Cincinnati’s waiver decision sets up Miazga’s next chapter as he will now feature for New York City FC in the Hudson River rivalry.

“We’re excited to welcome Matt to New York City,” sporting director Todd Dunivant said. “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.”

On the international stage, Miazga has earned 28 caps with the United States, including involvement in the 2017 Concacaf Gold Cup and the 2019-20 Concacaf Nations League. Earlier in his career at Chelsea, he also spent time on loan with Vitesse, Anderlecht, Alavés, Nantes and other clubs.

Written by Vancouver Television Sports Desk