Miazga: "Petke is our leader"

Miazga (top row, second from the left) has finally broke through to RBNY starting line up. Photo: RBNY

Matt Miazga has finally something to brag about. The only problem is that he is not... the bragging type. This well-rounded, down-to-earth 18-year old Red Bull and USMNT U20 defender has played his first professional full 90' in a game vs New England Revolution. He looked cool, composed and helped the team get that unexpected victory against the East-leading rival.

When did you find out about your starting XI appointment and what was your reaction?

M.M.: I found out about starting the day before, in our pre-game meeting. I had a feeling that I might get a call, because I was doing really well in the practices. When coach said my name I felt happy, excited and ready to go.

Take us through the game, from the first minute, the yellow card all through the final whistle.

Miazga has been patiently waiting
for his chance. Photo: Danny Blanik

M.M.: From the very beginning my goal was very simple: connect my passes, win my tackles and communicate well with the team. I knew I had to feel comfortable to be able to help the team. And I was glad to be able to do that not only on the defensive end. When we scored the first goal I was right there in the mix of things. Lloyd Sam played the great ball and I saw Eric Alexander right behind me, so I made sure that the guy that was marking me never got to EA. As a result the net was wide open and Eric buried it in. It was such an important goal, because in the past we were conceding first and with the lead we knew we can defend it. As for the yellow card... I saw the ball and went for it. I am pretty sure I got the ball first and then my trailing leg got his leg. It shouldn't not be a card, but at least I got this out of the way - my first ever card in the RB jersey. Not that I am planning on collecting them (laughter).

And the post-game TV interview? Was it your first one?

M.M.: In the MLS? Yes, it was the first one, but once again I was not nervous. It was pretty routine, like anything else. They asked me questions and I was happy to answer them.

You've been with the first team for a little under a year - how would you sum it up? What have you learned?

M.M.: This year has been just great. I have worked hard and learned a lot. Everyone on the team has been very helpful and I am thankful for that. I am young and I want to continue to get better so I soak all the information in from both the players and coaches, who are more experienced than me.

Who's your mentor and who's your best friend on the team?

M.M.: Everyone is my mentor, as they all tell me what they see when it comes to my play. I am pretty close with Connor Lade, Kosuke Kimura and Santi Castano, who's my age.

Last year's friendly with Lyon marked Miazga's first game
in a RBNY uniform. Photo: Danny Blanik

I have seen a supporter with a "In Petke We Trust" t-shirt. Do you trust your coach?

M.M.: (laughter) Yeah, of course! He's our leader! I feel I have a special connection with him, because he was an All-Star defender. Same with coach Robin Fraser, a two-time MLS Defender of the Year.

The saying is that "one should not change the winning team". And that would mean that you would get to start against the Cosmos on Saturday. Is this what you expect?

M.M.: I honestly don't know. We are going to see how the training goes this week. If I get to be in the lineup I will be ready to go. If not I will be ready to contribute from the bench.

You are of Polish descent and it just so happens that the Cosmos also features one player with the same heritage. On top of that he also is from Clifton, NJ. Do you know who it is?

M.M.: Of course - Danny Szetela! When I was growing up I looked up to him, because he was a big soccer name around these parts of NJ. I met him a few times. We've trained on a couple of occasions in the off-season. We were also invited to Polish-American Soccer Association award dinners where we were both recognized. I don't follow Cosmos, but I know that Danny has been doing very well with them.

Who will win the first professional soccer Polish NY Derby?

M.M.: (laughter) I play for the Red Bulls, so we will come out on top.