FC Cincinnati parts ways with Matt Miazga ahead of D.C. United game
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FC Cincinnati parts ways with Matt Miazga ahead of D.C. United game
James Weber, Cincinnati Enquirer
·
2 min read
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The starting eleven players for FC Cincinnati during a match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
Pedro Gallegos screams in support of FC Cincinnati before a match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
Evander da Silva Ferreira, 10, fights with the Vancouver Whitecaps for control of the ball at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
A young fan pumps his fist in hopes of getting on the pregame audience cam before a FCC match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
Obinna Nwobodo, 5, runs for the ball during a match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
A food-themed FCC fan shows support for his team before a the start of a match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
Evander da Silva Ferreira, 10, celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal during a match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
Pavel Bucha, 20, walks out with his teammates after scoring a goal early in the match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
Gerardo Valenzuela, 22, tries to defend control of the ball from the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
Fans celebrate after Kévin Denkey, 9, scores a goal during a match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
Tah Brian Anunga, 27, and Kévin Denkey, 9, talk after a failed goal attempt during a match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
FCC forward Evander da Silva Ferreira, 10, gets on his knees in celebration after scoring a goal during a match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
Two young fans celebrate after FC Cincinnati players acknowledge them while going to halftime during a match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
FCC goalkeeper Roman Celentano, 18, looks to the top of the crowd during a match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
FCC defender Teenage Hadebe, 15, hits a header while competing for the ball with the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
FCC midfielder Gerardo Valenzuela, 22, and forward Tom Barlow, 16, run down Vancouver Whitecaps FC forward Cheikh Sabaly, 7, in pursuit of the ball during a match at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
Vancouver Whitecaps FC forward Cheikh Sabaly, 7, takes a fall and loses possession of the ball during a match against FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
A shaft of sunlight breaks through TQL Stadium during a FC Cincinnati match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
FCC forward Tom Barlow, 16, tries to defend the ball from Vancouver Whitecaps FC forward Cheikh Sabaly, 7, during a match at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
FCC defender Bryan Ramirez, 29, takes a fall while fighting for control of the ball with Vancouver Whitecaps FC midfielder Oliver Larraz, 8, during a match at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
FCC forward Tom Barlow, 16, gets his faced clean by an official while talking to Vancouver Whitecaps FC forward Brian White, 24, after FCC’s win at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
FCC forward Tom Barlow, 16, gets encouraged by teammate and defender Nick Hagglund, 4, after their win against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
FCC defender Matt Miazga, 21, encourages fans to celebrate after the team’s win against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
1/23
FC Cincinnati vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, see photos
The starting eleven players for FC Cincinnati during a match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
1/23
FC Cincinnati vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, see photos
The starting eleven players for FC Cincinnati during a match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
2/23
FC Cincinnati vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, see photos
Pedro Gallegos screams in support of FC Cincinnati before a match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
3/23
FC Cincinnati vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, see photos
Evander da Silva Ferreira, 10, fights with the Vancouver Whitecaps for control of the ball at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
4/23
FC Cincinnati vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, see photos
A young fan pumps his fist in hopes of getting on the pregame audience cam before a FCC match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
5/23
FC Cincinnati vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, see photos
Obinna Nwobodo, 5, runs for the ball during a match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
6/23
FC Cincinnati vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, see photos
A food-themed FCC fan shows support for his team before a the start of a match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
7/23
FC Cincinnati vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, see photos
Evander da Silva Ferreira, 10, celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal during a match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
8/23
FC Cincinnati vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, see photos
Pavel Bucha, 20, walks out with his teammates after scoring a goal early in the match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
9/23
FC Cincinnati vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, see photos
Gerardo Valenzuela, 22, tries to defend control of the ball from the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
10/23
FC Cincinnati vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, see photos
Fans celebrate after Kévin Denkey, 9, scores a goal during a match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
11/23
FC Cincinnati vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, see photos
Tah Brian Anunga, 27, and Kévin Denkey, 9, talk after a failed goal attempt during a match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
12/23
FC Cincinnati vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, see photos
FCC forward Evander da Silva Ferreira, 10, gets on his knees in celebration after scoring a goal during a match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
13/23
FC Cincinnati vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, see photos
Two young fans celebrate after FC Cincinnati players acknowledge them while going to halftime during a match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
14/23
FC Cincinnati vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, see photos
FCC goalkeeper Roman Celentano, 18, looks to the top of the crowd during a match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
15/23
FC Cincinnati vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, see photos
FCC defender Teenage Hadebe, 15, hits a header while competing for the ball with the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
16/23
FC Cincinnati vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, see photos
FCC midfielder Gerardo Valenzuela, 22, and forward Tom Barlow, 16, run down Vancouver Whitecaps FC forward Cheikh Sabaly, 7, in pursuit of the ball during a match at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
17/23
FC Cincinnati vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, see photos
Vancouver Whitecaps FC forward Cheikh Sabaly, 7, takes a fall and loses possession of the ball during a match against FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
18/23
FC Cincinnati vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, see photos
A shaft of sunlight breaks through TQL Stadium during a FC Cincinnati match against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
19/23
FC Cincinnati vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, see photos
FCC forward Tom Barlow, 16, tries to defend the ball from Vancouver Whitecaps FC forward Cheikh Sabaly, 7, during a match at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
20/23
FC Cincinnati vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, see photos
FCC defender Bryan Ramirez, 29, takes a fall while fighting for control of the ball with Vancouver Whitecaps FC midfielder Oliver Larraz, 8, during a match at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
21/23
FC Cincinnati vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, see photos
FCC forward Tom Barlow, 16, gets his faced clean by an official while talking to Vancouver Whitecaps FC forward Brian White, 24, after FCC’s win at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
22/23
FC Cincinnati vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, see photos
FCC forward Tom Barlow, 16, gets encouraged by teammate and defender Nick Hagglund, 4, after their win against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
23/23
FC Cincinnati vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, see photos
FCC defender Matt Miazga, 21, encourages fans to celebrate after the team’s win against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at TQL Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
(Jacob Sebastian/The Enquirer)
FC Cincinnati has parted ways with veteran center back Matt Miazga in advance of its home gameagainst D.C. UnitedSept. 5.
Miazga confirmed his exit on his Instagram account Sept. 4. The news was reported Friday afternoon by Laurel Pfahler of Queen City Press. Miazga was due to be a free agent at the end of the 2026 season. Pfahler and Tom Bogert of The Athleticreported that Miazgaand the club are negotiating terms of his departure.
FC Cincinnati's Matt Miazga with the ball as FC Cincinnati drew 2-2 at Charlotte FC in Major League Soccer, May 9, 2026, at Bank of America Stadium.
Miazga will immediately be able to sign with another club. Bogert speculated that he will join another Major League Soccer team before the end of the season.
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Miazga's exit shakes up the back line in advance of thegame against D.C. Unitedat TQL Stadium. In addition to Miazga, Cincinnati will not have Samuel Gidi available as he has yet to clear concussion protocol.
The move might be to free up salary for other players. Miazga has a base salary of $1.6 million, which as of May 12 was the fourth-highest among center backs in MLS. FC Cincinnatijust acquired center backJulian Malatini and wingback David Doudera this week at the end of the MLS transfer windown, and General Manager Chris Albright indicated that the club is still looking to sign free agents.
Cincinnati has conceded 51 goals in 22 MLS games, 2.3 per contest and third-highest in the league.
Miazga, 31, joined Cincinnati late in the 2022 season, which was Cincinnati's first playoff season. He started 10 games that year. He was the MLS Defender of the Year in 2023, helping Cincinnati win the MLS Supporters' Shield. Miazga has started 84 games for Cincinnati. He has been set back by injuries in recent years, playing 16 games in 2024 and 14 out of 22 this season.
He posted on hisInstagram accountsoon after the news broke with a long message to FC Cincinnati fans. He said, in part, "Thank you Cincinnati for the last 4 years! What a ride it's been. I wish I was able to say goodbye the right way at TQL in front of you all. I'm so proud of everything we built together and the success we were able to share. When I look back at it all - the wins, the challenges, the accomplishments, it's actually the people I met and and the friendships made that will last a lifetime."
He ended with "My 3 children were born here and Cincy will always have a special place in our hearts."
