Goalkeepers Tyler Miller and Keasel Broome, and defenders Jordan Murrell and Shawn McLaws picked by MLS clubs.

Thursday, January 22, 2014

Tyler Miller, selected by Seattle Sounders in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft, signed with German 4th division club, SVN Zweibrücken

Ocean City, NJ – Big-Ten Goalkeeper of the Year Tyler Miller (Northwestern University), a Nor’easter alum and member of the 2012 Mid-Atlantic Division Champion Ocean City team, was selected by Seattle Sounders FC with the 12th pick of the 2nd round (33rd overall) of the 2015 MLS SuperDraft in Philadelphia last Thursday afternoon, despite the fact that the keeper from Woodbury, NJ did not attend the MLS Player Combine  in Fort Lauderdale two weeks earlier, as he opted to showcase his talent in Germany for European professional squads.

There was speculation following the Sounder’s decision to draft Miller that he might serve as the third goalie on the Seattle depth chart, behind starter Stefan Frei and recently-acquired 2006 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Troy Perkins, meaning that Miller would have likely started for Seattle Sounders 2, the MLS club’s USL Pro expansion team. However, as of Tuesday, Miller signed his first professional contract with German fourth division club SVN Zweibrücken through the remainder of the 2015 season. The Sounders retain the rights to negotiate with Miller through 2017.

Miller describes why he chose to venture to Europe to begin his career, “Zweibrücken is a small organization with a lot of young players that are looking for an opportunity to play. At the moment, it just felt like the right decision for me. I was extremely excited when I saw that the Sounders drafted me, It’s hard to put into words but [the decision to sign with SVN Zweibrücken] just made sense for me.

Keasel Broome, selected by San Jose Earthquakes in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft

Providence College senior co-captain Keasel Broome, selected by the San Jose Earthquakes with the fourth pick of the third round (46th overall) on Tuesday “was in disbelief” the moment he was selected. “I actually checked again to make sure I saw the right thing and I wasn’t day dreaming.”

The keeper, who was a member of the 2013 Eastern Conference Championship and PDL National Finalist Nor’easters squad, understands that this is just another step on his path to playing professionally. In a Club interview on Wednesday he shared, “I will approach [San Jose’s upcoming training camp] with a solid foundation of preparation for preseason and just to give my all for the team. My expectations for preseason and a professional career are that it will be the hardest thing I will have to do but, I am up for the challenge and excited for it.”

Broome credits Ocean City as being a critical stepping stone to this point in his career. “I think Ocean City had a huge part in my development. It’s a professional club and environment and what I took from there…helped me get where I am today,” an MLS draftee on the precipice of making a professional roster.

Jordan Murrell, selected by Real Salt Lake in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft

Jordan Murrell, Syracuse University’s assist leader for the third straight year, was selected on Tuesday by Real Salt Lake with the 15th pick of the 3rd round (57th overall). The former captain of the Canadian U-18 National Team finished his career at Syracuse with 20 assists, a school record for defenders. Murrell saw 374 minutes of action for the Nor’easters during the 2013 campaign.

2014 Club Captain Shawn McLaws (Coastal Carolina), a College Soccer News 2014 Third Team All-American and back-to-back Big South Defensive Player of the Year was selected by the New York Red Bulls with the 17th pick of the 3rd round (59th overall).

Shawn McLaws, selected by New York Red Bulls in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft

McLaws on receiving the good news, “When I first saw [that I had been drafted] I was excited and relieved but it's something I knew I had put all the hard work into for years for that moment.” It was “an unreal moment. I get a chance to go chase my dreams.”  

Shawn re-iterated Broome’s sentiments about the start of yet another journey. “I just want to go out in preseason and prove to the coaches that I deserve a contract and show them what I'm all about. Now is just the beginning of a lot of hard work and I'm ready for it.”

On the social media storm surrounding the Red Bulls pick, “It's wild. I think my phone almost broke today but it's been a blessing. I have so much support from everyone. My friends and family. Ocean City. The Red Bull fan base has given me an absolutely incredible welcome.” Broome agreed with McLaws about the excitement of likes, retweets and mentions but, like the skipper, is ready to get down to business. “To see my name up there on social media is cool but it doesn't mean anything if I do not produce on the field.” Miller echoed, “I am going to stay grounded, humble, and keep working to become the best player I can. Then, see where the game I love playing can take me.”