All the best stories are defined by their villain, and that theory certainly applies to sports. Fans see their teams as conquering heroes, warriors worth backing through thick-and-thin as they defend their club against anyone who stands in their path. But it's the villain that makes those stories so special, and the MLS Playoffs found theirs rather quickly in 2023.
This season's villain is none other than Matt Miazga, who has sent this postseason into chaos by battling the fans that once loved him so much. The FC Cincinnati star was at the center of it all during the club's first-round playoff clash with his former club, the New York Red Bulls. Miazga was criticized, booed and blasted for what many saw as a series of insults toward his former club that saw him blow fans kisses all the way to a suspension. And now, even with all of that going on, he finds himself in hot water for reportedly storming into the referee's locker room after the fact.
It's early on in the playoffs, and we all know that MLS chaos never ends, but it's hard to imagine someone taking Miazga's title from him in the coming weeks. He's always been a player that has walked the disciplinary tightrope, endearing himself to many as a result. However, this time around, he's emerged as the league's big bad guy, which will have a lasting impact not just on his team's MLS Cup hopes, but also his own international future.