FC Cincinnati's Matt Miazga feeling more like himself after perfect June

After FC Cincinnati claimed its third straight victory to cap an undefeated June, coach Pat Noonan was quick to ring the praises of Matt Miazga. 

The 2023 MLS Defender of the Year had just completed his first double-match week that he played every minute of since returning from a knee injury that ended his 2024 season. He was vital in holding CF Montréal and Orlando City SC to just one goal apiece – both late lapses – and was named to the MLS Team of the Matchday's bench after making 35-of-38 accurate passes, eight clearances and two blocks against the latter opponent.

Miazga was “looking like himself again,” Noonan said. 

As FC Cincinnati looks to build off their strong June in the thick of the Supporters’ Shield race, Miazga’s role could be vital as he returns to form. The Orange and Blue are currently second in the league table with 39 points amidst a tightly packed Eastern Conference where just four points separate the top four sides. 

Miazga said the beginning of his rehab was tough, but he feels like matured through the process. He added that he lost some of his feel for the game after being out for almost a year, but has recovered it since returning. 

“I'm getting more and more minutes, I'm feeling like myself again,” Miazga said. “Now I'm fit, I feel good. So now it's really about me kicking on.”

Matt Miazga (21) made his first start in more than 300 days after coming back from a knee injury during FC Cincinnati's 3-2 win at Chicago Fire FC in Major League Soccer April 19, 2025 at Soldier Field.

Miazga's first serious injury

Miazga’s knee injury was his most serious knock of his career, which he sustained while sliding into the goalpost to block a shot against the San Jose Earthquakes in June 2024. He “couldn’t really believe it” at first, but was appreciative of the club’s support in his rehab after a reconstructive surgery of his Posterior Cruciate Ligament and Meniscus.

After returning to MLS action in mid-April, Miazga has built up his minutes, totaling 733 in 11 appearances.

After playing two full matches in one week, Noonan said there were a few moments where the defender’s fatigue was apparent, but he also made plays to show “he’s getting back to his best.” 

“It was a good hurdle for Matt to get over as far as the quick turnaround,” Noonan said. “He hadn't done that yet, and we didn't know what it was going to look like, because of the circumstances of only having the two days rest.”

Noonan said he hopes Miazga can build on his recent performances, noting an uptick in communication over the past few weeks. The leader had sometimes failed to employ his vocal strength while focusing on his mental and physical condition, the coach added. 

“(Communication) is so impactful for the guys around him,” Noonan said. “And I think the last few weeks specifically, we've seen really good improvements.” 

May 25, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; FC Cincinnati defender Matt Miazga (21) heads the ball past Atlanta United midfielder Ajani Fortune (35) in the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

FC Cincinnati will play Chicago Fire FC on Saturday to mark the beginning of a homestand that closes with fixtures against their rivals, the Columbus Crew, and the Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami CF. 

Miazga touted the summer as when the MLS table “takes shape” and real contenders emerge. He said he plans to approach July game-by-game instead of looking ahead to highly anticipated fixtures.

“I've seen that we have a lot of home games coming up in this stretch, so we have to take advantage of our fans at TQL (Stadium), which is the best stadium in the league and the best fans,” he said. 

Personally, Miazga wants to continue logging full matches and developing his fitness. Most importantly, though, he is setting out to keep clean sheets and win matches.

That means he will have to “be a good leader,” and continue “putting in the extra work,” like he has done regularly.

“(I want to) continue to build on these 90 minutes that I've played the last few games and keep going, because it's going to be a tough stretch of games with the league, Leagues Cup and fighting for trophies,” Miazga said.