Merritt Paulson Tweets Ryan Miller Signing

Miller, 28, has joined the Timbers for preseason four days after Paulson tweeted that a new defender could be announced this week. Paulson's tweet was followed up by another from Ives Galarcep breaking the news that the rumored defender would be Miller.

Paulson's tweet:

Preseason starts mañana! Look forward to seeing everyone. And welcome Ryan Miller to PDX.

And a follow up:

Quick fun fact - Ryan Miller born in my home town of Barrington, IL. Small world. (No - thats not why we signed him...but didn't hurt)

Since leaving Major League Soccer after two forgettable years with the Columbus Crew and D.C. United, Miller has been plying his trade in Sweden. In 2009, Miller signed with Swedish 2nd division side Ljungskile, making 13 appearances before moving to Allsvenskan side Halmstads in 2010. Halmstads was relegated back to the second division for 2012, where Miller saw his best year with the club well, making 33 appearances and getting 8 assists in all competitions. At the top flight of Swedish football, Miller made 39 in 2010 and 2011.

An attacking-minded right back, Miller is known among Halmstads supporters for his attacking play, leadership, and occasional defensive mistakes (check out the translations by community member Kejsare in this fanshot).

Miller was first drafter into MLS in 2008 with that year's MLS Cup winning Columbus Crew. Playing behind national team mainstay Frankie Hedjuk, Miller was waived by the Crew halfway through the 2008 season before being picked up by D.C. United. During preseason the next year, Miller was waived again and left to find work in Scandanavia.

The Timbers have not yet officially announced Miller as a signing.