photo by Greg Bartram/USA Today Sports
By FRANCO PANIZO
NEW YORK — A big week for Matt Miazga could be made even bigger this weekend.
If he can stop David Villa, that is.
Selected to the U.S. Under-20 Men’s National Team’s World Cup roster on Thursday, Miazga is poised to cap a special few days against arguably his stiffest MLS test to date in the New York Red Bulls’ highly-anticipated Sunday showdown against crosstown foes New York City FC.
Assuming the young centerback continues to get the nod ahead of the now healthy Ronald Zubar, Miazga would likely face off against Villa, the crafty Spanish striker who has made a career out of punishing defenses. The match-up, while not an individual one, would serve as a big challenge for Miazga on the cusp of his departure for the U.S. training camp, and a strong performance would only underline the impressive job he has done since stepping into the Red Bulls’ lineup in Week 3.
“I think his overall alertness and awareness and focus for what needs to be done in the game has gotten clearer and clearer each game,” Red Bulls head coach Jesse Marsch told SBI. “I could see from day one that he had some very good starting points, some great tools to work with and now it’s just been giving him more responsibility, more sophistication and the confidence to go on the field and execute at that position the way he needs to.
“It’s not easy for a young centerback because mistakes always end up costing your team, but I think in little ways he’s proven himself on the training ground and game-in and game-out to everyone on this team. I think there’s a pretty strong belief in the way he’s played.”
While Miazga has turned in a string of solid outings in his seven starts, some would argue that he has done so without facing premier opposition. Robbie Keane was out hurt when the Red Bulls hosted the Galaxy two weeks ago, a recovering Chris Wondolowski only saw time off the bench in the match against the San Jose Earthquakes, and New York has yet to face the likes of Obafemi Martins and Clint Dempsey or Jozy Altidore and Sebastian Giovinco.
Miazga, however, believes he’s done more than make a case against the strikers he has faced.
“I think there’s been some good forwards that I’ve played against,” Miazga told SBI. “Not as well renowned as David Villa, but every game I look to prove myself that I can compete at this level and play my best and be one of the better players. I always want to make an impact.”
Miazga will have a huge opportunity to do just that this summer. The 19-year-old defender is projected to be a starter for Tab Ramos’ U-20 U.S. team at the World Cup, and a strong tournament there will only further his blossoming career.
“For being a young guy, I think he’s already started to establish himself as a good professional player,” said Marsch. “Now it’s a chance to go to the world stage like the U-20 World Cup and now test himself against some really good young talented players and then anytime that you go and represent your country there’s so much pride that goes along with that.
“In a big event like this I think it’ll help him build confidence, help him build belief in himself, and a chance for him to showcase a little bit of what he’s about.”
First things first, though. The Red Bulls have their historic inaugural match against NYCFC on Sunday, and Miazga will have his hands full with Villa should both of them start.
Turning in another impressive effort against Villa and potential rivals NYCFC would not only further bolster the youngster’s confidence, but also cap what has been an exciting and memorable few days.
“If we get a win it’ll be huge, and going to the World Cup is a dream come true,” said Miazga. “I’ll be looking forward to that and trying to play well in training camp and get ready for the first game against Myanmar on May 30.”