[HOMEGROWN WATCH] The New York Red Bulls signed U.S. under-18 national team defender Matt Miazga, who becomes the eighthacademy product to sign with New York’s first team via MLS’s Homegrown Player rule.
“I had other offers, but I chose the New York Red Bulls because that is where my heartlies,” the 17-year-old Miazga said. “One day, I hope to play for the first team in Red Bull Arena in front of our wonderful fans and contribute to the club’s success in MLS. I wantto thank my family and our youth academy coaches for helping me to realize my dream.”
Miazga, who hails from the New Jersey soccer hotbed of Clifton, was most recently called up tothe U.S. under-18 national team for the tournament in Portugal, where it finished second. He has been a member of the Red Bulls Academy since 2009, when he played for the club’s under-14 squad.
He was part of the U-16 Red Bulls side that won the U.S. Developmental Academy national championship in 2012 and most recently played for the U-18 team. He has also played for the RedBulls reserve team this season.
Red Bulls sporting director Andy Roxburgh said Miazga was one of the brightest prospects in U.S. Soccer at his ageand in his position.
Miazga is the third academy player the Red Bulls have signed in the last six months after goalkeeper Santiago Castano andforward Amando Moreno.
How much is he getting paid as homegrown?