Goalkeeper Brandon Miller signs with Charlotte Independence

One of Harrisburg’s biggest signings in 2017 was when they acquired former USL goalkeeper of the year Brandon Miller to help anchor a defense that had given up way too many goals the season before.

Miller put together some excellent performances in the net during the season and he managed to win himself a Save of the Week award for his reflex save against FC Cincinnati.

Fans were hoping to see Miller return to City Island in 2018, but sadly it was not to be. On Wednesday, the Charlotte Independence announced Miller as their latest signing for 2018.

It’s a natural move for Miller, who is originally from Charlotte. He also spent his college time in the state while playing for the University of North Carolina- Wilmington.

Charlotte had been looking for a new top goalkeeper after losing last year’s starter Cody Mizell to the Tampa Bay Rowdies (who had just lost Matt Pickens to Nashville SC). By picking up an experienced player like Brandon Miller, they’ll have one less hole to worry about as they begin their preseason.

So where does that leave Penn FC?

They’re actually down two keepers from 2017 as USL veteran Nick Noble elected to retire. Fortunately they were able to retain the services of Sean Lewis from last season. Lewis did make a few spot starts for Miller in 2017, and he proved to be a capable keeper when called upon. He had previously started in the NASL (with the Jacksonville Armada) so it looks like he’s being positioned to be Penn FC’s primary starter for 2018.

Penn FC will most likely pursue one or two more keepers before the season begins in March. It’s also possible that they may use their connections with Rush Soccer to have some younger keepers on the bench if needed, much like Bethlehem Steel with Tomas Romero.

If you want to learn a little bit more about Brandon Miller, here’s my interview with him from last November.