Miles Robinson

Miles Robinson Bio

Miles Gordon Robinson (born March 14, 1997) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a center-back for Major League Soccer club FC Cincinnati and the United States national team. Born in Arlington, Massachusetts, Robinson began his career with FC Boston Bolts before playing college soccer with the Syracuse Orange. After two seasons with Syracuse, Robinson was drafted with the second overall pick in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft by expansion club Atlanta United. He initially did not feature for the side, and was loaned out to the Charleston Battery in 2017, followed by reserve affiliate Atlanta United 2 in 2018. From the 2019 season, Robinson began appearing as a regular starter for the club following the arrival of Frank de Boer as head coach. Robinson made his senior debut for the United States in September 2019. In July 2021, he was selected as part of the 23-man squad for the CONCACAF Gold Cup. In the final against Mexico, Robinson scored the winner in extra-time to give the United States the championship.

Early Life and Background

Robinson was raised in Arlington, Massachusetts. His interest in soccer began when watching his older sister, Rebecca, play in local matches, and he began playing organized soccer when he was four years old. He attended Arlington High School, where he played for the school’s basketball team. During his junior season, Robinson was the Middlesex League co-MVP and led his team in scoring, assists, rebounds, and steals. John Bowler, his basketball coach at Arlington, praised Robinson’s abilities on the court, noting his exceptional basketball IQ and quickness. In soccer, Robinson was part of the youth team at FC Boston Bolts, which prevented him from participating with the soccer team at Arlington High School. Brian Ainscough, the chief executive officer for the Bolts, recognized Robinson’s potential at a young age, highlighting his physical attributes and skill set.

Path to Soccer

In 2015, Robinson committed to playing college soccer at Syracuse University, joining Ian McIntyre’s Orange. He made his debut for the side on August 28, 2015, starting in a 2–1 opening day defeat against the Hofstra Pride. On September 19, Robinson scored his first goal for Syracuse in a 3–1 away defeat against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. As a freshman, Robinson started all 25 matches for Syracuse, scoring four goals. He helped Syracuse qualify for the NCAA Tournament, leading the Orange to the College Cup in Kansas City. During his sophomore season, Robinson earned the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Defensive Player of the Year award, starting all 17 matches for Syracuse and scoring another four goals. He was named to the National Soccer Coaches Association NCAA Division I Men’s All-America First Team in December 2016.

Miles Robinson Career

Early Career (2016)

Following the 2015 college season, Robinson joined FC Boston, the semi-professional outfit of his youth club FC Boston Bolts, in the Premier Development League. He made his debut on May 21, 2016, against F.A. Euro, starting in the 3–1 away victory. Robinson played six matches during his time with FC Boston and was recognized as the top defender among college prospects by the United Soccer League.

Breakthrough (2017-2019)

On January 4, 2017, Robinson signed a Generation Adidas contract with Major League Soccer, allowing him to be selected in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft. He was selected as the second overall pick in the draft by expansion side Atlanta United on January 13. After only appearing on the bench for Atlanta United, Robinson joined United Soccer League club Charleston Battery on a short-term loan on May 23, 2017. He made his professional debut for Charleston two days later and scored his first goal for the Battery on July 26, 2017. Robinson made his debut for Atlanta United in a U.S. Open Cup match against Charleston Battery on June 14, 2017. He began the next season on the bench but made his first league appearance on April 7, 2018, against Los Angeles FC. Robinson had a breakthrough season in 2019 under new head coach Frank de Boer, starting in 33 out of 34 matches during the regular season and earning a spot in the MLS Best XI for the season.

Notable Works and Milestones

Robinson’s signature work includes his performance in the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup, where he scored the winning goal in the final against Mexico. He was also selected to represent Major League Soccer in the MLS All-Star Game in August 2021.

Miles Robinson Award Nominations

Throughout his career, Miles Robinson has received several nominations, including recognition for his defensive skills and contributions to his teams in various competitions.