HANOVER, N.J. – After the United States U-20s fell to Serbia in a penalty shootout, heads dropped and dreams went unrealized. But despite the defeat, New York Red Bulls fans had something to smile about.
Returning from New Zealand after an impressive stay with Tab Ramos and his U-20 World Cup squad, Matt Miazga is focused on shaking off the disappointment of their premature exit and refocusing his energies at the club level.
“We came up a little short against Serbia in penalties which is a little unfortunate,” Miazga said. “But overall it was good. We almost made history and it was a good performance from our side.”
Having been absent for a month, the New York side that Miazga returns to is a bit different than the one he left. Winless in league play since their triumph over NYCFC on May 10, Miazga is eager to slide back into the heart of the New York defense.
There’s no doubt the Red Bulls could use the defensive reinforcements, especially considering he’s started in all four of their victories this season.
“Teams go through rough patches in the season,” Miazga said. “It’ll be a good test for us to show our growth and show that we stick together. Some results haven’t gone our way, but that happens. We’ll try to get back on track on Saturday.
“I’m just very happy to be back. I’ve been away for a month but I’m happy to be back. I’m just ready to get back on the field and help the team.
The Red Bulls will be equally elated by his presence in training. In his absence, New York had conceded eight times over three matches as the likes of Roy Miller and Karl Ouimette were thrust into the starting lineup. Bolstered by the return of Miazga and a now-healthy Ronald Zubar, the defensive core suddenly gives head coach Jesse Marsch plenty of options.
“We know with getting Ronald back, with Damien [Perrinelle] being on the field, with Matt Miazga being back from the U-20s, that our makeup of our backline is different and we expect them to step in and have a big presence,” Marsch told reporters.
As a former coach at the international level, Marsch watched with great interest as Miazga spearheaded the US defense, marveling at the level of composure and ability that his young defender showed aboard.
“Whenever you send players away for tournaments like that, you hope that they have the type of experience where they’re tested, they’re in good games and that they come back from that tournament stronger and clearer about who they are and what they want to be about,” Marsch told the Seeing Red! podcast. “There’s no doubt that Matt has come back a better player and a better man.
“It’s been really good to have him back and we’re going to be counting on him the rest of the season.”
