Montreal Impact Select Eric Miller, George Malki In MLS Draft

Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The Montreal Impact made a splash during the 2014 MLS Superdraft, trading up from the 10th position in the first round to the fifth overall pick and then selecting defender Eric Miller from Creighton. They also selected George Malki with the 37th pick.

They acquired the 5th pick from FC Dallas for the 10th selection, cash and an international player slot. They re-acquired that international player slot when they traded the 29th pick to D.C. United.

Miller is a natural right back who can also play at fullback. Miller was generally expected to be taken before the Impact’s original pick at 10. Miller is expected to challenge for a spot in the starting lineup right away and scouts like his upside.

Here is MLSSoccer.com’s scouting report on Miller:

"“Versatile player with experience at outside back, center back, and in defensive midfield … He has the physique and he has the speed to excel at the next level … He’s a really fit player; he can run forever … Good in the air … He needs to fine-tune some things technically and assert himself a bit more … When playing at the back, he needs to manage the game a little better and react more instinctively from a tactical perspective.”"

Miller also qualified for a Generation Adidas contract and is considered to be the most MLS-ready GA player besides first overall pick, goalkeeper Andre Blake.

Malki is a midfielder from Chicago and had two goals and three assists in 21 games last year for the Cal Poly Mustangs. Malki was a member of the US U18 and U15 programs.

The third and fourth rounds of the MLS Superdraft take place on January 21. The Impact have one pick in each round.