Earning your first call-up to the United States Men's National Team is special. Getting it at the same time as your "big brother" is another level.
18-year-old Peyton Miller and 21-year-old Brooklyn Raines will head to their first senior camp ahead of friendlies against Peru (Sept. 26), Chile (Sept. 29), Mexico (Oct. 3), and Canada (Oct. 6).
"It's a dream come true," Miller told The Blazing Musket. "I always call Brooklyn the big brother. He takes care of me."
Currently teammates with the New England Revolution, Miller and Raines were part of the U.S. team that reached the Quarterfinal Round at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
The duo's closeness shows whenever one scores, as they quickly celebrate together.
"Me and Brooklyn always do the scuba," Miller said.
Both players are having standout seasons, with Miller owning seven goals and four assists in 24 games (18 starts), and Raines having one goal and three assists in 24 starts.
Miller had two tallies in the 4-2 win over Orlando City SC on Saturday, the second assisted by Diego Fagundez, whom he idolized growing up.
"Diego's a great mentor for me," Miller said. "I continue to learn from him every single day."
Miller and Raines have bright futures, with Revs head coach Marko Mitrovic believing they can make the 2030 World Cup roster. Despite grand ambitions and interest from top European clubs, they remain level-headed, focusing on the day-to-day.
"Obviously, we’ve got to stay humble and grounded," Raines said. "For us, we're going [to national team camp] to obviously learn, but again, compete and hopefully continue to get called up and continue to work our way up the ladder."
Unsurprisingly, Miller credits his parents for helping him develop a modest mindset. Before he relocated to Foxborough, MA, as part of the residency program, Miller's mother and father would make the long drive from Unionville, CT, so he could attend training sessions with the Revolution Academy.
"My mom taught me very well," Miller said. "I spent every single moment on the field with my dad. My dad always told me to be humble. Marko reminds me every day to always be humble and keep my head down and work."
The kid who once stood in the stands cheering on Fagundez and others is now looking to earn his first cap with the USMNT.
To follow in the footsteps of Charlie Davies – another role model for him – is exciting for Miller, but he knows there's still work to do, especially if he wants to be a better fisherman than Fagundez.
"Diego [is better at fishing]," Miller said with a laugh while reflecting on a recent excursion. "I hate to say it, but Diego."
