Eric Miller

Image of Eric Miller
Image of Player Eric Miller

Player Information

Eric Miller is an American professional soccer player who plays as a defender for Major League Soccer club Portland Timbers. Born in Jacksonville, Florida and raised in Woodbury, Minnesota, Miller started playing soccer for the Bangu Tsunami and Minnesota Thunder Academy. In 2011, he won the Gatorade Player of the Year award and the Mr. Soccer Award for the state of Minnesota. He then attended Creighton University, where he played for the Creighton Bluejays. Miller has had a successful career in MLS, where he was drafted by the Montreal Impact and has played for several clubs up to his current position with the Portland Timbers.
Birthdate:
15 January 1993
Full Name:
Eric Miller
Birthplace:
Jacksonville, Florida, United States
Nationality:
United States
Gender:
Male
Height (cm):
185
Status:
Married
Partner:
Kassey Kallman
Education:
Woodbury High School (High School), Creighton University (College)
Career Started:
2014
Current Team:
Portland Timbers
Draft Year:
2014
Drafted By:
Montreal Impact
Previous Teams:
Portland Timbers U23s (From 2012, To 2013), Montreal Impact (From 2014, To 2015), FC Montreal (loan) (From 2015, To 2015), Colorado Rapids (From 2016, To 2018), Minnesota United (From 2018, To 2019), New York City FC (From 2019, To 2019), Nashville SC (From 2020, To 2022), Portland Timbers (From 2023)
Player Active:
From - 2014, To - Present

Eric Miller Bio

Eric Miller is an American professional soccer player who plays as a defender for Major League Soccer club Portland Timbers. Born in Jacksonville, Florida, and raised in Woodbury, Minnesota, Miller started playing soccer for the Bangu Tsunami and Minnesota Thunder Academy. In 2011, he won the Gatorade Player of the Year award and the Mr. Soccer Award for the state of Minnesota. He then attended Creighton University, where he played for the Creighton Bluejays. Miller has had a successful career in MLS, where he was drafted by the Montreal Impact and has played for several clubs up to his current position with the Portland Timbers.

Early Life and Background

Eric Miller was born on January 15, 1993, in Jacksonville, Florida. He spent his formative years in Woodbury, Minnesota, where he developed a passion for soccer at a young age. Miller’s early exposure to the sport came through local clubs, including the Bangu Tsunami and Minnesota Thunder Academy. His talent was evident during his high school years at Woodbury High School, where he excelled on the soccer field, earning accolades that would set the stage for his future career.

Path to Soccer

Miller’s journey in soccer began with his participation in youth leagues, where he honed his skills and gained valuable experience. His outstanding performance in high school soccer, where he scored 16 goals and provided 15 assists in his senior year, led to him being recognized as the Gatorade Player of the Year and the Mr. Soccer Award winner in Minnesota. Following high school, he took his talents to Creighton University, where he played for the Creighton Bluejays from 2011 to 2013. During this time, he also played for the Portland Timbers U23s in the USL PDL, further solidifying his reputation as a promising young player.

Eric Miller Career

Early Career (2014-2015)

Eric Miller was drafted by the Montreal Impact in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft with the fifth overall pick. He made his professional debut for the Impact on March 8, 2014, against FC Dallas. During his time with Montreal, he established himself as a reliable defender, contributing to the team’s defensive line. In 2015, he had a brief loan spell with FC Montreal, allowing him to gain additional playing time and experience.

Breakthrough (2016-2019)

In February 2016, Miller was traded to the Colorado Rapids, where he continued to develop his skills and gain valuable experience in the league. His time with the Rapids lasted until 2018, when he was traded to Minnesota United. Miller’s tenure at Minnesota was marked by consistent performances, and he was traded to New York City FC in July 2019. Although his time with NYCFC was short, it showcased his adaptability and determination to succeed in the competitive environment of Major League Soccer.

Notable Works and Milestones

Throughout his career, Eric Miller has played for several notable teams in Major League Soccer, including the Montreal Impact, Colorado Rapids, Minnesota United, and Nashville SC. In February 2023, he signed with the Portland Timbers, marking a significant milestone in his career as he returned to a club where he previously played in the U23 league. Miller’s journey through various teams has allowed him to gain a wealth of experience and contribute to the growth of soccer in the United States.

Eric Miller Award Nominations

Eric Miller has been recognized for his contributions to soccer, particularly during his high school years when he received the Gatorade Player of the Year award and the Mr. Soccer Award in Minnesota. These accolades highlight his potential and skill as a young athlete.

Eric Miller Awards Won

While Eric Miller has not received major awards at the professional level, his early achievements in youth soccer, including the Gatorade Player of the Year award, set the foundation for his career in Major League Soccer. His consistent performances have earned him respect among peers and fans alike.

Eric Miller Family

Eric Miller is married to Kassey Kallman, a fellow soccer player. The couple has been together since 2009 and tied the knot at the end of 2018. Their relationship has been a source of support for both as they navigate their professional careers in soccer.

Personal Life

Eric Miller maintains a relatively private personal life, focusing primarily on his career in soccer. His marriage to Kassey Kallman has been a significant aspect of his life, and the couple continues to support each other in their athletic endeavors.