Miller eager for Lions to prosper

KISSIMMEE — Kamal Miller was walking down the players’ tunnel when it finally hit him.

Miller, a rookie out of Syracuse, was about to make his MLS debut — in Orlando City’s 2019 season opener, no less. A rush of emotions hit him at once.

He said he could have cried, but he was happy and smiling, not showing how jittery he was as he walked out onto the pitch.

“That was an amazing moment,” Miller said.

Miller started as the left center back in a three-man back line and played 90 minutes in a 2-2 draw against NYCFC. It was the building block of a rookie campaign Miller is looking to capitalize on under new coach Oscar Pareja as he’s competing for a starting spot in the back line.

Players on the Lions have lauded the approach their new coach has taken. Miller is no different. The team was close-knit off the field last year but didn’t seem to have uniformity on it needed to be successful.

“The biggest difference for me is team identity on the field,” Miller said. “I feel like this year we have a clear plan, clear structure and framework in how we want to play. And then Oscar always says it’s up to us to play within those parameters, but definitely go out there and express ourselves.”

The 22-year-old earned several milestones last year.

He appeared in 16 games last year, making 14 starts. Miller also made his debut for the senior Canadian national team as a substitute during Canada’s 7-0 win in June over Cuba in the 2019 Gold Cup.

Just as he was making his way down the players’ tunnel, Miller was going through similar emotions while he was on the touchline getting ready to come on as a substitute in the 61st minute.

Miller continued to be involved with the Canadian national team, participating in a camp in January. The camp ramped up his intensity to get ready for the 2020 MLS season. The center back has made a positive impression on Pareja.

Orlando City’s coach said Miller’s experience at the international level is vital for his development.

“Kamal is growing,” Pareja said. “He’s growing like many others that are still very young. I have a player that is very receptive to information, and despite his youth, I think he has many games under his belt. And what he’s proven so far is he’s competing very hard for the position.”

Midfielder Chris Mueller has witnessed Miller’s development up close.

Mueller said the two are good friends and their relationship began when they were placed in the same unit during preseason last year. Off the pitch, Mueller said his teammate has a great sense of humor. On the pitch, Mueller has watched him evolve both physically and mentally.

“Seeing him grow as a rookie, it’s impressive,” Mueller said. “I think he’s made a lot of strides in his game. I think he’s improved in a lot of different areas and you can see his potential on the field. He’s so good on the ball and he’s a great 1-v-1 defender. He’s aggressive, he’s got a good mentality on the pitch, so I think that says enough about him.”

The tools are there for Miller to succeed.

He also has the pedigree and valuable experience at both the club and international level to continue to develop under Pareja.

Miller’s goals include getting Orlando City over the hump and into the playoffs for the first time in club history.

“Just win as many games as possible,” he said. “Bring joy to Orlando. [It’s] what they’ve deserved for a long time. Not only make the playoffs but be one of the top seeds in the East and really get a good shot at the MLS Cup this year. Of course, personally, I wanna score some goals, get some assists, but just put up as many clean sheets as possible and really give our attacking guys a good opportunity to go and win a lot of games for us.”