Miles Robinson said he’s looking forward to returning to Atlanta and thinks he will receive a positive reception when his new team, Cincinnati, visits his old team, Atlanta United, on Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Robinson made 123 appearances for Atlanta United, helping it win the MLS Cup, U.S. Open Cup and Campeones Cup.
Robinson, Atlanta United’s first draft pick, eschewed months of opportunities to re-sign with Atlanta United and instead joined Cincinnati during the recent offseason. His decision resulted in mixed reactions from Five Stripes’ supporters.
“I think I’m just excited overall to see some familiar faces but also to compete in a great stadium on the other side this time, so it’s gonna be a unique experience,” he said.
In addition to being a part of an Atlanta United team that won those trophies, Robinson developed into one of the best centerbacks in MLS, and a mainstay for the U.S. national team.
After he was drafted, Robinson was sent on loan to Charleston and then played for Atlanta United 2 as he continued to reach his potential. He made his first start with Atlanta United in 2018 in a 5-0 win against LAFC. But It was under manager Frank de Boer that Robinson became a regular starter in 2019.
Looking back on his journey from Syracuse, to being the second pick in the draft, to today, Robinson said he wouldn’t change anything.
“I think I would probably say keep doing what you’re doing,” he said. “Put your head down and keep working. Don’t lose faith, don’t lose confidence. I think early on in my landing career, I was just kind of chipping away slowly and trying to get better. And I think if I kind of just did the same thing, honestly, I’d kind of be in this position. I don’t really have any regrets, really. So just continue to do what you’re doing. Stay humble and stay focused.”
Robinson said he is enjoying Cincinnati, which is tied with Atlanta United and a few other teams for the fewest goals allowed (7) in MLS this season. Robinson said he will use his knowledge from playing with several Atlanta United players and knowing their tendencies and movements to help his Cincinnati teammates.
Brad Guzan is the only player still with Atlanta United who was on the team in 2017. In addition to Robinson, Cincinnati goalkeeper Alec Kann also was on that team.
“You catch up after the game, you say hello, ask how their families are. You still keep in touch with them, as it’s obviously not the same as seen them daily in the locker room, but you wish them well,” he said. “Obviously, for those 90 minutes, I don’t wish them well. Of course, I don’t want anything bad to happen to them. But obviously I want us to win and take those three points and move on, but yeah, it’s always nice to to see former teammates and have those relationships.”
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Atlanta United’s 2024 schedule
Feb. 24 Columbus 1, Atlanta United 0
March 9 Atlanta United 4, New England 1
March 17 Atlanta United 2, Orlando 0
March 23 Toronto 2, Atlanta United 0
March 31 Atlanta United 3, Chicago 0
April 6 Atlanta United 1, NYCFC 1
April 14 Atlanta United 2, Philadelphia 2
April 20 vs. Cincinnati, 7:30 p.m.
April 27 at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.
May 4 vs. Minnesota, 7:30 p.m.
May 11 vs. D.C. United, 7:30 p.m.
May 15 at Cincinnati, 7:30 p.m.
May 18 at Nashville, 1:30 p.m.
May 25 vs. LAFC, 7:30 p.m.
May 29 at Miami, 7:30 p.m.
June 2 vs Charlotte, 4:30 p.m., Fox
June 15 vs. Houston, 7:30 p.m.
June 19 at D.C. United, 7:30 p.m.
June 22 at St. Louis, 8:30 p.m.
June 29 vs. Toronto, 7:30 p.m.
July 3 at New England, 7:30 p.m.
July 6 at Real Salt Lake, 9:30 p.m.
July 13 at Montreal, 7:30 p.m.
July 17 vs. NYCFC, 7:30 p.m.
July 20 vs. Columbus, 7:30 p.m.
July 26 vs. D.C. United in Leagues Cup, 7:30 p.m.
Aug. 4 vs. Santos Laguna in Leagues Cup, 4 p.m.
Aug. 24 at L.A. Galaxy, 10:30 p.m.
Aug. 31 at Charlotte, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 14 vs. Nashville, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 18 vs. Miami, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 21 at Red Bulls, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 28 at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 2 vs. Montreal, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 5 vs. Red Bulls, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 19 at Orlando, 6 p.m.
