It was hot, humid, and loud. The LA Galaxy lined up in Cartago, Costa Rica in their first leg clash with C.S. Herediano in the Round of 16 clash with C.S. Herediano with two new names in the starting XI: 17-year-old Harbor Miller and 18-year-old Ruben Ramos Jr.
“After getting the start down in Costa Rica, it was really tough,” Miller said. “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.”
Playing at right back, the LA Galaxy Academy product became the youngest player (17 years, 8 months, 14 days) in LA Galaxy history to start a Concacaf Champions Cup match, surpassing Jack McBean's record by just one day.
In the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 first leg match, Ramos Jr. played 61 minutes while Miller went the full 90 in an impressive performance that featured several shot-preventing tackles. Notably, it marked the first time in club history that two LA Galaxy Academy products have both started in a Concacaf Champions Cup match.
It’s no accident that players like Miller and Ramos have seamlessly fit right into starting lineups this season.
“I think there’s such a good connection and now our young players it’s kind of plug and play,” Vanney said. “Now when they come to our first team, they understand what our principles of play are. They understand what their functions are in offense and defense. They understand what we’re trying to accomplish and what our priorities are in the game. What they have to learn is really just adapting to the speed of the game.”
With Miki Yamane and Mauricio Cuevas both still sidelined with injury, Miller’s strong showing earned him another first start in the Galaxy’s MLS match the following Sunday at Dignity Health Sports Park against St. Louis CITY SC.
Miller only converted to playing right back from winger two years ago after playing the more advanced role for 5-6 years. Since then, he’s been soaking in all the help he can get to learn the art of defending from Galaxy fullbacks while going up against some of the most talented wide attackers in MLS in training.
“Training with them daily has helped me improve so much,” Miller said. “Guys like Gabriel Pec, Joseph Paintsil and Diego Fagundez. Playing with these guys is the best training you can get.”
Miller showcased some of the attacking capabilities seen at the youth level, taking the ball through the midfield and sparking an attack in his first game at home for the Galaxy, with his family watching on from the stands.
“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,” Vanney said. “It's being able to not let the moment overtake you but to be able to manage the moment; and for a young player, he's managed two very interesting moments for him as a young guy; and still showed not just the ability to survive on the day but some character to actually make some things happen. I think he did that in both games. I have to give him a lot of credit for how he's handled the situation.”
Ramos Jr., who debuted for the Galaxy in June last season and featured in this season’s opener as a substitute, has a different challenge than Miller, according to Vanney.
“He understands what his function is on the field and how to help our team,” Vanney said of Ramos Jr. “I think for Ruben now, as an attacking player, which is really difficult to do, is the speed of things and how to increase the speed so you're not just a player out there but you can create dangerous moments and score goals. Inside of the game, I think he’s very aware and knows what he’s supposed to do and now it’s how can he find the little details and moments that he can make a difference inside of the game and not just be a good player inside of the game.”
LA Galaxy defender and captain Maya Yoshida has played at the highest levels of world soccer and knows a thing or two about pressure. He also knows about stepping up as a young player when the senior players ahead of him are injured, saying he got his professional start in a similar manner.
As captain, and as someone playing on the backline with Miller, he’s spoken plenty with the 17-year-old and offered some advice to the academy products when they get their chances with the first team.
“They shouldn’t feel any pressure – just enjoy,” Yoshida said before the Galaxy’s second leg against C.S. Herediano on March 12. “It’s a good opportunity for them to play and all the pressure the senior players and coaches should take. ... Of course I’m here to help the young players and we still have very good confidence to play at home and we’re looking forward to winning tomorrow.”
