The New York Red Bulls today announced that they have signed Red Bulls Academy defender Matthew Miazga. Miazga becomes the eight academy product to sign with New York’s first team via the Major League Soccer Homegrown Player rule. He will be added to the Red Bulls’ roster after he passes a physical.

“I am extremely happy to have signed Matt Miazga on a professional contract for the New York Red Bulls,” said Red Bulls Sporting Director Andy Roxburgh. “Matt, a gifted centerback for the U.S. Under-18 National Team and a graduate of our youth academy, is one of the brightest prospects in U.S. Soccer at his age and in his position and we will do our best to help him realize his undoubted potential. From the outset, I declared our intention to encourage and promote local talent and adding Matt to our roster despite competition from European clubs, provides further proof of that commitment.”

“I had other offers, but I chose the New York Red Bulls because that is where my heart lies,” 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 want to thank my family and our youth academy coaches for helping me to realize my dream.”

Miazga, hailing from Clifton, NJ, was most recently called up to the U.S. Under-18 team for the 19th Annual International Juniors Tournament in Portugal that took place last week. He was a member of the Red Bulls Academy since 2009, when he played for the club’s Under-14 squad. The 17-year-old was part of the Under-16 Red Bulls side that won the U.S. Developmental Academy National Championship in 2012 and most recently played for the Under-18 team. He has also featured for his country at various U.S. Youth National Team age levels.

The other former Red Bulls Academy players who graduated to the New York first team were: forward Giorgi Chirgadze (signed: Sept. 2009), forward Juan Agudelo (March 2010), midfielder Matt Kassel (Jan. 2011), defender Sacir Hot (Jan. 2011), defender Connor Lade (Dec. 2011), goalkeeper Santiago Castano (Dec. 2012) and Moreno (Dec. 2012).