Harbor Miller has had to grow up quickly this season.
First, the 17-year-old from Fullerton made the trip to Costa Rica for the Galaxy’s opening leg against CS Herediano in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Then Miller was named the starter and he added a second consecutive start in last Sunday’s MLS game back at Dignity Health Sports Park.
With the Galaxy missing Miki Yamane and Mauricio Cuevas due to hamstring injuries, Miller has stepped in and more than held his own.
“After getting the start down in Costa Rica, it was really tough,” he said Sunday. “The atmosphere, the team, the fans, they don’t make it easy to play.
“Obviously if you can do it there, being at home for your own team, you definitely have more confidence. I knew there was an opportunity I could possibly start today (Sunday). When I got the news, that raised the confidence.”
Miller said he had at least 20 family and friends in attendance Sunday. Even at a young age, he’s shown that he’s not afraid of the moment.
“The team results have not gone our way the last few games and it’s really tricky because we have a lot of amazing pieces and resources and it’s just a matter of putting it together,” he said. ” In terms of players, it’s kind of like, well, it’s your turn to step up. So you’re either going to go out and you’re going to show up, or you’re just going to fade away.
“They (teammates) were like, play with confidence. At first, it’s kind of intimidating because you’ve got to really step up, especially to play in a club like the Galaxy, the biggest club in the League. It’s a big responsibility for sure. It’s a big responsibility but at the same time, go play the game that you want to play.”
Miller is the fourth youngest Galaxy player to start an MLS game and the youngest to start a CONCACAF game. He joined the Academy at around 10 years old. He made his way through the system, eventually joining Galaxy II. This season, he’s seized the opportunity.
“Everyone always say when you come to the Academy, maybe one player from the age group makes it as a professional, maybe two,” he said. “Of course it’s everybody’s dream to play for the L.A. Galaxy, but to do it at 17 and make the start, it was incredible. I would say two years ago, I couldn’t have told you if this would happen, probably a year ago, but the game of soccer, you never know when your opportunity is going to come and that’s when you have to take it.”
Miller and the Galaxy are facing a must-win situation in Wednesday’s second leg. Herediano has a 1-0 aggregate lead. A 1-0 Galaxy win would force the game into deciding penalty kicks. A 2-1 Galaxy win, would advance the club into the quarterfinals.
I think he’s competed on both sides of the ball,” Galaxy coach Greg Vanney said of Miller. “He’s been quite clean in most of his possession moments, and he’s shown a little flair in the attacking end with some quick combinations and good balls.”
CS Herediano at Galaxy
When: Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.
What: CONCACAF Champions Cup, second leg
How to watch: Fox Sports 1