Matt Miazga officially joins FC Cincinnati to help in the FIGHT for an MLS Cup playoff spot

After reports Thursday said American defender Matt Miazga was on his way to MLS, FC Cincinnati confirmed the move on Friday.

Miazga officially joins on a contract through 2025 in a move using Targeted Allocation Money (TAM) due to his previous tenure with New York Red Bulls.

The contract he signed has an option to extend to 2026.

Miazga joins after spending six years under contract at Chelsea, where he was loaned out to numerous clubs.

'I'm really excited to join FC Cincinnati,' said Miazga in a press release.

'It's a pleasure to be back in the United States and be able to compete in MLS again. The project here in Cincinnati is something that has drawn me here, and I want to say a special thank you to Jeff Berding, Chris Albright and Pat Noonan, who were all a big part of me coming to FCC.

'I can't wait to meet all the amazing supporters, who I've heard so many good things about, at TQL stadium.'

Manager Chris Albright sang Miazga's praises in the announcement.

'Matt is a dominant defender that has a wealth of experience internationally and across numerous leagues in Europe,' Albright said.

'But his knowledge of what it takes to compete and win in MLS, along with his high character and mentality, are what drew us to this opportunity.'

During his time in MLS with the Red Bulls, Miazga won two Supporters Shield titles.

After making two official match appearances for Chelsea in 2016, Miazga was loaned out to multiple clubs, including Vitesse, Nantes, Reading, RSC Anderlecht, and Deportivo Alaves.

He moves back to the United States to an FC Cincinnati squad that's just outside the last MLS cup playoff spot with 12 matches remaining in the season.