CF Montréal extends defender Miller's deal

Canadian defender Kamal Miller has been signed to a contract extension by CF Montréal, the Major League Soccer club announced Monday.

The extension covers the next two seasons. The deal also includes an option year for 2024.

The 24-year-old, who plays regularly, was selected by Austin FC in the 2020 expansion draft last December, after being left unprotected by Orlando City SC.

Miller, a Toronto native, was subsequently traded the same day to the Canadian side.

“We were really happy with Kamal's acquisition last winter from Day 1, and he confirmed the good things we saw in him on the field — but also off the field as a good leader for the young players,” sporting director Olivier Renard said. “It was normal for us to want to extend his contract. We hope he'll be with us for years to come.”

Miller played 28 regular-season games, including 23 starts, with Orlando City over the 2019 and 2020 seasons. He was selected 27th overall in the 2019 MLS Superdraft following a collegiate career at Syracuse University.

He has also represented Canada in international duty and is currently competing in Gold Cup preliminary-round action, where he's joined by teammate Samuel Piette. Striker Romell Quioto, meanwhile, is playing for Honduras.

“I've felt welcomed and appreciated by CF Montréal,” Miller said. “I'm excited to get back and play in our stadium. I'm looking forward to the future with this club. In the end, with all the circumstances considered, (the contract extension) was an easy decision.”

With a 5-3-4 record, CFM is unbeaten in four games. They returned to Canada following last week's 2-1 come-from-behind victory over New York City FC. The club has been playing and training in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., but is now permitted to conduct practices at Centre Nutrilait.

The club's next home game is Saturday at 7:30 p.m. against FC Cincinnati — a match the team hopes to play at Saputo Stadium, although it's awaiting approval from provincial health authorities.

It's also unknown whether spectators will be permitted.