The 2023 MLS Defender of the Year will play no part in FC Cincinnati’s final matches of the league playoffs.
Matt Miazga has been suspended three matches by the MLS Disciplinary Committee following his misconduct during the November 4th’s playoff match vs. the New York Red Bulls. Miazga’s suspension will keep him out of Saturday’s Eastern Conference Final and a potential MLS Cup trip for FC Cincy on Dec. 9. Any remaining suspension will carry over into the 2024 MLS regular season.
The veteran center back received two cautions during FC Cincy’s second match win over the Red Bulls, while also receiving one yellow card in the first of Best-of-3 Series matches. MLS then investigated allegations that Miazga gained unauthorized access to the officials’ locker room after the victory in Harrison, New Jersey, per ESPN.
Additionally, Miazga will undergo a behavioral assessment through the Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health (SABH) Program and may petition for a reduction in suspension based on continued commitment and compliance with any recommended treatment programs.
The 28-year-old earned MLS Defender of the Year honors after helping FC Cincinnati concede just 39 goals during the regular season. Miazga’s 2,384 minutes played during the regular season were the fifth-most among FCC players and he also earned a nod to the MLS All-Star Game.
Miazga’s suspension is a major blow to Pat Noonan’s backline with veteran Nick Hagglund already sidelined for the remainder of the season.
FC Cincinnati hosts the Columbus Crew on Saturday at TQL Stadium, with the winner hosting MLS Cup the following weekend.
He has been his own worst enemy. Never as bad as Dest recently was, but I’ve seen several occasions in the past where he seemed like a hot head. Going into the officials locker room is a major infraction and really stupid. He may get a fine, too.
What did he do?
The reports are conflicting. He apparently entered the ref’s room after the game in which he got two yellows (and 3 in 2 games). He was either aggressive towards the refs, or he wasn’t. He either threatened them, or he didn’t, and he either had to be physically escorted away by stadium security, or he didn’t. Noonan says he strolled over to the refs an hour after the game with a pizza box in his hand, apparently looking to share a slice and mend fences.
?
Those are some genuinely weird conflicting stories. Surely there has to be video of him either with or without that pizza box, or if security had to walk him out or not?
The report I read said there was video, although it did not say what the video showed exactly. Given the outcome here, it’s pretty safe to assume the video showed more than a relaxed Miazga offering a post game snack to the officials. Also, a Cincinnati media guy saw Miazga after the game, coming out of a room near the Cincy lockerroom, yelling “Fine me”.
Ha ha Matt Miazga Ratchet