FC Cincinnati's Matt Miazga has been named the 2023 MLS Defender of the Year after his solid showings in the Orange and Blue's backline.
Miazga joined FC Cincinnati in August 2022 from European giants Chelsea and has been a mainstay since then. Miazga's arrival in the league is his second stint in MLS, as he was previously with New York Red Bulls from 2013 to 2015.
This term, Miazga has been a brick wall in front of standout goalkeeper Roman Celentano, conceding just 35 goals in his 36 appearances for the club. Miazga's excellent defensive play helped propel Cincinnati up the Eastern Conference standings and eventually the 2023 Supporters' Shield.
Miazga has also played his part in Cincinnati setting multiple club records in their fifth season in MLS, including goals conceded, wins, road wins and points.
Miazga's experience that includes stops in France with Nantes, England with Reading, the Netherlands with Vitesse and Belgium with Anderlecht have helped shaped him into one of the league's most dominant defenders that loves to get under opponents' skin with gamesmanship from time to time.
The Orange and Blue have already taken hope a couple of year-end awards, as MVP frontrunner Lucho Acosta received the Goal of the Year award while Celentano took home Save of the Year.
It wouldn't be a shock to see Acosta take home the coveted MVP award as well as head coach Pat Noonan receiving the Coach of the Year award for his incredible work done in just two seasons as Cincinnati boss.
Cincinnati made light work against New York Red Bulls in the first round of MLS Cup playoffs action, sweeping their Eastern Conference foes 2-0.
Cincinnati and Miazga prepare to take on Philadelphia Union in the Conference semifinals following the conclusion of the FIFA international break on November 25 at TQL Stadium.
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This article was originally published on 90min as Matt Miazga named 2023 MLS Defender of the Year.
