Woodbury, N.J. native Tyler Miller celebrated his 23rd birthday on Saturday with his first start in goal for the Seattle Sounders at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah.
It didn't take long for the Bishop Eustace graduate to make an impact in the game, diving to his right to keep a Joao Plata shot out. It was one of two saves in the game for Miller, whose debut was spoiled when he was unable to beat Jamison Olave to a cross the Real Salte Lake defender headed for the late winner.
Miller, who filled in for the injured Stephen Frei, joined the Seattle Sounders organization last year and made one start with their USL club after making 10 appearances for SVN Zweibrücken in Germany.
The four-year starter at Northwestern (2011-14) set the school record with 36 shutouts in 77 appearances and also played locally with the Ocean City Nor'easters in the Premier Development League in 2012. He played club soccer for Pittsgrove SC and also lettered in baseball and basketball in high school.
Tyler Miller coming up with the BIG SAVE! #RSLvSEA pic.twitter.com/HDvBTeTlhu
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) March 12, 2016