New York Red Bulls center back Matt Miazga named to U.S. U-20 World Cup roster

NEW YORK, N.Y. (Via New York Red Bulls) – New York Red Bulls homegrown center back Matt Miazga has been named to the United States roster for the upcoming FIFA Under-20 World Cup, as announced today by U.S. Soccer and U-20 head coach Tab Ramos. The U-20 World Cup will take place in New Zealand and run from May 30 – June 20.

Players will begin reporting to camp in Carson, Calif., on May 14. Miazga is scheduled to join the team after the Red Bulls’ match at FC Dallas on Friday, May 15.

“We are very happy for Matt,” said Red Bulls head coach Jesse Marsch. “It’s a great honor to represent your country, and Matt has earned it with his play both here for our club and with the U.S. team during qualifying. We wish him and the team luck for the tournament in New Zealand.”

The 19-year-old Miazga was called into action for New York on opening day, replacing an injured Ronald Zubar in the 1-1 draw at Sporting Kansas City. He has played every minute for the Red Bulls since as part of a stalwart back line that has allowed just eight goals while jumping out to a 3-1-4 start.

The Clifton, N.J., native was a pillar for the U.S. U-20s during World Cup qualifying, especially during December’s CONCACAF U-20 Championships. After starting the tournament with a 1-1 draw, the U.S. rattled off four consecutive shutout wins to close the tournament and book a trip to New Zealand.

Miazga joined the Red Bulls Academy at the U-14 level and progressed through the developmental system before signing with the club as a Homegrown Player in May of 2013. He has represented the U.S. at various youth levels.

The U.S. was drawn into Group A with host New Zealand, Ukraine and Myanmar. The team opens group play against Myanmar at 12:01 am ET on May 30 in Whangarei, followed by matches with New Zealand on June 2 and Ukraine on June 5, both of which will be played in Auckland. All of the U.S.’s group matches will be broadcast live on FOX Sports 1.