Growing up in Halifax, Saorla Miller, the first homegrown player signed by Tides FC, never envisioned herself playing on a professional women's soccer team in her hometown. She candidly admits, “It was never a dream to play here because I didn’t think it would be possible.” As the Tides prepare for their season opening match at the Wanderers Grounds on Saturday, Miller expresses her excitement at the prospect of seeing familiar faces in the stands—those she played with and those who coached her. “It is a really special feeling,” she added.
Now entering her sophomore season with the Tides, which competes in the Northern Super League, Miller has established herself as a key player. Last year, she made an impressive impact by participating in all but one game and becoming the first player in franchise history to score two goals in a single match. This year, she returns alongside other notable players like Syd Kennedy, Annika Leslie, and Sarah Taylor from Bridgewater, all of whom are looking to build on the team's inaugural season performance.
The Tides are also welcoming a strengthened lineup for their second season, featuring offseason signings like South Korean star Cho So-Hyun, Norwegian defender Julie Pedersen, and former Liverpool FC and national team goalkeeper Rylee Foster, among others. Miller acknowledges the adjustments the team has had to make, stating, “It’s been a big turnover and we’ve had to get to know each other in a short amount of time. But it has been great so far.”
Fans can expect to see the revamped Tides roster when they face Ottawa Rapid in their home opener at 1 p.m. on Saturday. Miller highlights that the groundwork for the upcoming season commenced earlier this spring during training, which included an overseas trip to England where the team played preseason matches against prominent clubs such as West Ham United and Everton FC Women’s Club. “Going in, we knew that it would be big for us to spend time together on the road, in a new country and play good teams as well,” she shared. This experience allowed the team to bond and work on their collective identity.
Miller is eager to kick off the second season, aiming to demonstrate the team's growth over the offseason. She hopes to further refine her skills on the field, especially in the offensive zone. The thrill of playing in her hometown adds to her motivation, given the passionate support the local fans showed during the Tides’ inaugural season. Miller's soccer journey began in Halifax at the tender age of five, and she credits her mother, a lifelong soccer player, for inspiring her to take up the sport. “I just loved being active as a kid and I kept playing for that love,” Miller explained. She enjoyed a supportive upbringing, free from pressure, allowing her passion to flourish.
Throughout her soccer career, Miller has achieved numerous accolades, including winning a bronze medal at the 2017 Canada Games and leading the University of Memphis soccer team to four conference titles. Her professional journey also saw her compete with Keflavik FC in Iceland before returning to Halifax to join the Tides last year.
The Tides FC's commitment to developing talent locally and their investment in a diverse lineup of players reflect a promising future for the team. With Miller and her teammates ready to showcase their hard work and dedication, the excitement for the upcoming season at the Wanderers Grounds is palpable among fans and players alike.
