Peyton Miller Is "Brave And Aggressive" in First MLS Start
Miller grew up watching Diego Fagundez. Now he's the second youngest player to suit up for the Revolution.
Connecticut native Peyton Miller grew up watching Diego Fagundez play for the New England Revolution.
Now the 16-year-old has etched his name into the club’s history book as the second youngest player to ever feature for Revs, just behind Fagundez.
Miller, who signed a Homegrown contract on Jun. 12, 2023, debuted for the Revs on Jul. 17, playing 16 minutes against the Union. The moment would’ve come sooner if not for injuries.
Miller said he learned on Wednesday that he’d be making his first MLS start on Saturday.
The left-back fit in seamlessly, showcasing his quickness, spatial awareness, and crossing ability.
Early on, Miller had a shot that rattled the woodwork. It was a reminder that he joined the Revs Academy as a striker before moving further back.
“Honestly, I just think it adds to my game, the fact that I have the attacking capability and I can come back and defend,” Miller said. “It helps a lot. I’m just happy that I can contribute to the team.”
Miller displayed his courage with a full-on sprint to go after the ball. He got there first and was on the receiving end of a hard foul.
“I think when I play, it’s more of a life and death situation where I have to get the ball and if I don’t get the ball, they’re going to counterattack,” Miller said. “But really that bravery, that’s just how I grew up playing.”
Miller should’ve earned an assist as he collected a pass from Mark-Anthony Kaye before playing a low cross. It initially looked like Bobby Wood got the touch that led to the goal but it was ultimately deemed an own goal.
During his press conference, head coach Caleb Porter explained that Miller came to him during the game to say that his teammates needed to continue to give him the ball.
“That’s the mentality you want out of a kid,” Porter said. “He's brave and aggressive. He wants the ball, wants to win.”
When asked where that confidence comes from, Miller said, “I like having the ball on my feet. I trust myself with the ball and my teammates trust me with the ball. So, for them to have that trust is huge.”
During his 82 minutes, Miller had 44 touches, created two chances (including the Revs’ goal), had two shots (including hitting the woodwork), two clearances, three interceptions, and two recoveries.
He was 20/24 on accurate passes, 3/4 on ground duels, and 1/3 on aerial duels. He also drew two fouls.
“I thought he was unbelievable,” Porter said. “He showed his quickness. Like I've been telling you guys in preseason, I told you, I'm like, 'This kid is something else.'
“Had him at the two, and then he was injured all year. He'd probably have 10 games or more if he wasn't injured with all the times that DeJuan [Jones] had to be out.
“I think you can see he's got a bright, bright future. He's not just quick, but he's a very good crosser. You look at some of the crosses that he feathers in, it’s very educated.”
In three days, Miller made his first appearance and first start for his hometown club.
Not a bad week for the 16-year-old.
“It felt great,” Porter said. “I thought I performed well. It was great to represent my family and my town [Unionville, Conn.], and the crest especially.”
He really did look great out there. With Buck, Esmir, and now Miller, our academy/homegrowns seem to be doing some cool things!
I think he's already better than Jones. If DJ is back at left back, then Miller needs to be at wing in front of him.