From now on, refer to NIU women’s soccer coach Marci Miller as “the natural.”

The first-year coach had a cheering section Sunday at Fatty’s Bar and Grill, 1312 W. Lincoln Highway. The entire NIU women’s soccer team gathered with various family members to cheer their leader in action for the U.S. National Team on ESPN 2.

Amidst the grind of coaching Div. I soccer, Miller squeezed in training time with assistant coach and husband Paul Jobson before and after practice and managed to work out with some of the country’s premier club teams for preparation.

The first-year NIU coach started for the U.S. team, turning in an eye-popping 90-minute performance against Australia.

“I didn’t think she would play 90 minutes,” Jobson said. “She might be sore for a week.”

Weary from a busy soccer weekend, Jobson told his team attendance at the restaurant was optional. But all the players remained through the entire game – a 0-0 tie – and applauded whenever Miller was on screen.

Miller was involved in a number of plays, and was the subject of first-half commentary on her first season as NIU head coach.

NIU ran through an emotional gauntlet this weekend. The see-saw season continued with an emotional upset win over Central Michigan Friday, and a disappointing defeat to EMU Sunday. Still, the team remained in good spirits, exuberant at the sight of its coach in action for the U.S. National team.

Earlier in the day, some players asked Jobson if Miller would be in action or just on the roster. They were thrilled when she got the start.

“She got a pretty good idea on Thursday that she would be in the starting lineup,” Jobson said.

Miller returns to the sidelines as a coach this weekend. NIU will be on the road at Ball State Friday and Miami Sunday.