Miles Robinson is one of two Atlanta United players called up by the U.S. men’s national team on Wednesday for the upcoming FIFA international window. It will be his first call-up.
“He’s in great form,” U.S. men’s national team manager Gregg Berhalter said. “He’s played exceptionally over last month and a half. He’s earned it. I like nothing more than calling in players who have earned a spot by playing really well.
“He helped his team win the Campeones Cup. They just won the U.S. Open Cup. His team is first in the MLS East. What more can you ask for?”
Robinson, along with goalkeeper Brad Guzan, was called up by the United States for upcoming friendlies against Mexico on Sept. 6 in New Jersey and Uruguay on Sept. 10 in St. Louis. Atlanta United will play at Philadelphia on Saturday and then won’t play again until it hosts Columbus on Sept. 14. The U.S. team will train at the Red Bulls’ facility.
Robinson, 22, made the preliminary Gold Cup roster earlier this year, but wasn’t among the final group of players selected by Berhalter. Robinson has made 10 appearances for various U.S. youth national teams.
Berhalter said he had a long conversation with Robinson within the past week and he’s looking forward to working with him to see what kind of impact he might have.
“I’m really interested to bring him in,” Berhalter said.
Robinson has been one of the better defenders in MLS this season, with 27 appearances for the reigning MLS champs. His speed and height are among the reasons he is one of the better one-on-one defenders in the league.
Robinson will be in competition with John Brooks, Aaron Long and Lawrenceville native Walker Zimmerman for minutes at centerback. Berhalter said, because of players’ different traits, he can see Robinson pairing well with any of them. He mentioned Brooks being left-footed and Robinson right-footed, Long’s speed, and Zimmerman’s communication and physical play complement Robinson’s strengths.
Guzan, 34, leads MLS with 13 shutouts this season and has 60 caps with the USMNT.
Guzan will be in competition with Jesse Gonzalez, Lilburn native Sean Johnson and Zack Steffen.
Berhalter said he appreciates Guzan’s leadership and has a presence that is important for a young team. The average age of a player on this roster is 25 years, 47 days.
Berhalter said he didn’t call up Atlanta United midfielder Emerson Hyndman, but is watching him closely and likes that he is making an impact with the Five Stripes.
Berhalter also declined to discuss conversations he has had with Atlanta United midfielder Darlington Nagbe. The Athletic reported that Nagbe has declined numerous call-ups.
The team, provided by the U.S. Soccer Federation (caps/goals):
GOALKEEPERS (4): Jesse Gonzalez (FC Dallas; no appearances, no goals), Brad Guzan (Atlanta United FC; 60/0), Sean Johnson (New York City FC; 8/0), Zack Steffen (Fortuna Düsseldorf/GER; 15/0)
DEFENDERS (9): John Brooks (Wolfsburg/GER; 37/3), Reggie Cannon (FC Dallas; 6/0), Sergiño Dest (Ajax/NED; 0/0), Nick Lima (San Jose Earthquakes; 7/0), Aaron Long (New York Red Bulls; 11/2), Daniel Lovitz (Montreal Impact/CAN; 8/0),) Tim Ream (Fulham/ENG; 35/1), Miles Robinson (Atlanta United FC; 0/0), Walker Zimmerman (LAFC; 10/2)
MIDFIELDERS (7): Sebastian Lletget (LA Galaxy; 9/2), Weston McKennie (Schalke/GER; 14/3), Alfredo Morales (Fortuna Düsseldorf/GER; 13/0), Paxton Pomykal (FC Dallas; 0/0), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders FC; 15/0), Wil Trapp (Columbus Crew SC; 19/0), Jackson Yueill (San Jose Earthquakes; 1/0)
FORWARDS (6): Corey Baird (Real Salt Lake; 3/0), Tyler Boyd (Besiktas/TUR; 5/2), Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders FC; 33/5), Christian Pulisic (Chelsea/ENG; 31/13), Josh Sargent (Werder Bremen/GER; 7/2), Gyasi Zardes (Columbus Crew SC; 51/10)
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