Matt Miazga
The towering defender is a product of the Red Bulls Academy, a growing presence on the U.S. U-20 team, and a dual-national with ties to Poland.
- Juan Agudelo
- Eric Alexander
- Jozy Altidore
- Kyle Beckerman
- Tony Beltran
- Austin Berry
- Matt Besler
- Nat Borchers
- Terrence Boyd
- Will Bruin
- Edson Buddle
- Teal Bunbury
- Geoff Cameron
- Edgar Castillo
- Ricardo Clark
- Steve Clark
- Bobby Convey
- Kenny Cooper
- Joe Corona
- Sam Cronin
- Cody Cropper
- Danny Cruz
- Daniel Cuevas
- Charlie Davies
- Brad Davis
- Nick DeLeon
- Jay DeMerit
- Maurice Edu
- Michael Farfan
- Andrew Farrell
- Benny Feilhaber
- Greg Garza
- Eddie Gaven
- Luis Gil
- Alan Gordon
- Andy Gruenebaum
- Bill Hamid
- Matt Hedges
- Clint Irwin
- George John
- Sean Johnson
- Jermaine Jones
- Benji Joya
- Dan Kennedy
- Perry Kitchen
- Jeff Larentowicz
- Steven Lenhart
- Chad Marshall
- Jack McBean
- Dax McCarty
- Jack McInerney
- Matt Miazga
- Justin Morrow
- Patrick Mullins
- Lee Nguyen
- Conor O'Brien
- Amobi Okugo
- Michael Parkhurst
- Heath Pearce
- Chris Pontius
- Dillon Powers
- Christian Ramirez
- Nick Rimando
- Chris Rolfe
- Kelyn Rowe
- Omar Salgado
- C.J. Sapong
- Brek Shea
- Harry Shipp
- Tommy Thompson
- Wil Trapp
- Andrew Wenger
- Danny Williams
- Sheanon Williams
- Chris Wondolowski
- Graham Zusi
December 11, 2015
6:00 PM
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Brad Smith/isiphotos.com
WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST MEMORY OF SOCCER?
I was six years old and at my birthday party my uncle came in with a soccer uniform and cleats and ever since I’ve been playing soccer.
WHO WAS YOUR SOCCER HERO GROWING UP?
When I was younger I was a striker so I’d say Ronaldo.
DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST EXPERIENCE SUITING UP FOR THE U.S.
My first U-14 camp ever, we had a friendly against a team from Los Angeles and our head coach told us that we were the future of U.S. Soccer, so take this opportunity.
WHAT IS THE QUALITY YOU MOST ADMIRE IN A SOCCER PLAYER?
Work ethic.
WHAT IS THE QUALITY YOU MOST DISLIKE IN AN OPPONENT?
Laziness.
WHAT IS THE KEY TO YOUR SOCCER SUCCESS?
Confidence and believing in myself.
WHAT IS ONE SOCCER SKILL YOU WANT TO IMPROVE?
Communication in tough situations.
WHO HAS HAD THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR DEVELOPMENT?
My father.
WHO IS YOUR CLOSEST FRIEND IN THE GAME?
Arun Basuljevic, who right now is playing at Georgetown. He was my closest friend throughout our time at the Red Bull Academy and still is today.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST SOCCER ACHIEVEMENT?
Signing my professional contract with the New York Red Bulls.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST SOCCER DISAPPOINTMENT?
Anytime I lose a game.
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON YOU LEARNED FROM THE GAME?
You can’t let praise or criticism get to you. It’s a weakness to get caught up in either one.
WHO ARE THE MOST TALENTED TEAMMATES YOU HAVE PLAYED ALONGSIDE?
I have played alongside some very talented players, the most talented being Thierry Henry.
WHO ARE THE TOUGHEST OPPONENTS YOU HAVE LINED UP AGAINST?
Jermain Defoe probably tops that list.
IF YOU WEREN'T A PROFESSIONAL SOCCER PLAYER, WHAT WOULD YOU DO FOR A LIVING?
That a good question. I would probably say something involving sports psychology.
WHAT IS YOUR ULTIMATE DEFINITION OF SUCCESS IN THE GAME?
Having a long, healthy, successful career and winning championships.
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