HANOVER, N.J. – The U.S. Men’s U-23 team is preparing for their Olympic qualifiers. The New York Red Bulls have their eyes set on the Supporters’ Shield and an MLS Cup run.

In between the ambitions of both teams lies Matt Miazga.

The stud 20-year-old centerback has been a vital part of the Red Bulls impressive season. However, he will be gone for some time — much to the behest of head coach Jesse Marsch.

“We wish that US Soccer would have shown more flexibility. They didn’t, which meant that we had to make a decision on whether to let him go or not,” Marsch told reporters on Wednesday. “We decided to let him go because we felt, again, that this was an important experience for him and that we knew he was excited about the opportunity as well.

“Not easy to lose him but we’re healthier now at that spot so we’re a little bit deeper.”

Olympic qualifiers begin October 1st in Kansas City against Canada. They continue on the 3rd against Cuba and end on the 6th against the Panama Olympic team.

The Red Bulls play Orlando this Friday at Red Bull Arena. For the remaining five matches, Miazga will miss home fixtures against Columbus Crew SC and Montreal Impact before returning for a road encounter against Toronto FC.

Of course it is worth noting: if the U-23 team makes it into the knockout rounds, the Final will land on the 13th; one day prior to the aforementioned Toronto match.

New York have no shortage of options to replace their star centerback. Karl Ouimette has filled in admirably in past matches. However, it is a healthy Ronald Zubar who will likely take the starting role in his absence.