Doug Miller: “I thought as a group we would have the capability to bring back the soccer culture we created with the Indoor Lancers.” (Photo courtesy of the Lancers)
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — In what should not come as a surprise, the Rochester Lancers Friday named Doug Miller as head coach of its National Premier Soccer League team.
A native of Succasunna, N.J., Miller directed the indoor Lancers, guiding the club to the Major Arena Soccer League semifinals in 2014-15.
“Doug is one of the biggest names in the history of local Rochester soccer,” Lancers owner Salvatore (Soccer Sam) Fantauzzo said in press release. “He is a great teacher and motivator and I’m sure all of his players will enjoy playing for him.”
Miller, 48, is synonymous with Rochester soccer and success in the sport.
He was an important member of the original Rochester Raging Rhinos teams that dominated the A-League and won the Lamar Hunt/U.S. Open Cup from 1996-1999. After stints with the indoor Buffalo Blizzard and Hershey Wildcats, he returned to the Rhinos, playing from 2003-2006. He also starred for the indoor Lancers in the Major Indoor Soccer League, scoring 79 goals in 74 matches from 2011-15. He most recently competed with the Syracuse Silver Knights (MASL) in 2016.
“I am excited to help bring back the Rochester Lancers to this area,” Miller said in a statement. “After meeting Nick Mojsovski and Marc Mandell, I thought as a group we would have the capability to bring back the soccer culture we created with the Indoor Lancers. I plan to announce my coaching staff within the next week and our goal is a championship!”
The Lancers and Lady Lancers home opener is set for Aquinas Institute Sunday, May 21. The women kick off at 1 p.m., followed by the men’s game at 4 p.m.
