Atlanta United’s Miles Robinson will not be available for Saturday’s important MLS game against D.C. United because manager Gonzalo Pineda has given him a few days off.
“We felt that he had a heavy load,” Pineda said. “With the national team, he’s played every four days. We have all the data that supports that decision. We felt it important that he takes 4-5 days off.”
Robinson, a 24-year-old centerback, is a candidate for MLS Defender of the Year. He has 17 appearances, including 16 starts, for Atlanta United this season. He recently played three consecutive complete games for the U.S. men’s national team. He also played six games for the U.S. during the Gold Cup earlier this season.
Robinson returned from the U.S. World Cup qualifying games last week and played 90 minutes in Wednesday’s 4-0 win against Cincinnati. Anton Walkes was unavailable because of a mild hamstring strain. After hosting D.C. United, Atlanta United won’t play against until it visits Philadelphia on Sept. 25.
Atlanta United is 9-4-7 when Robinson starts this season.
Not having Robinson means that Pineda likely will choose Walkes, George Campbell and Alan Franco, should he keep using three centerbacks.
Not having Robinson presents a challenge because D.C. United’s attack is anchored by Ola Kamara, who leads MLS with 16 goals this season.
Pineda said D.C. United is about more than Kamara. His success is partially the result of D.C. United’s skill in transition and exploiting areas on the flank with its midfielders.
“I hope we can be more focused on attacking than defending,” Pineda said. “That will be the game. Who can control the tempo of the game. Who will have a stronger central mid.”
D.C. United leads Atlanta United by one point in the standings. Atlanta United is in the seventh and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
In the crowded East, six points separate third place from 10th.
“From now on, every game is like a final,” Pineda said. “You can win this game and be fourth or lose it and be in 10th.”
About the Author
