Atlanta United’s Miles Robinson started his first game and scored his first goal with the U.S. men’s national team, and George Bello made his first appearance, in Sunday’s 7-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago in a friendly men’s soccer game in Orlando, Fla.

Robinson started at centerback along side New York Red Bulls’ Aaron Long. It was Robinson’s third appearance for the U.S. men’s national team.

Robinson’s goal came in the 52nd minute on a diving header from just a few yards out. It started as a set piece with Kellyn Acosta hitting a long cross to Long at the back post. He headed it back into space in front of the goal that Robinson attacked.

Robinson played well, winning the majority of his aerial duels and completing all but one of his passes.

United States defender Miles Robinson (12) and Trinidad and Tobago forward Ryan Telfer (7) collide while going for the ball during the second half of an international friendly soccer match, Sunday, Jan. 31, 2021, in Orlando, Fla. (Phelan M. Ebenhack/AP)

Credit: AP

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Credit: AP

It was an important performance for Robinson because the U.S. is scheduled to begin World Cup qualifying this season and he wants to be part of the team. The national team is relatively deep at centerback. The pool includes Lawrenceville’s Walker Zimmerman, John Brooks and Tim Ream, among others.

The U.S. defense held Trinidad and Tobago to just one shot on goal, a penalty that was saved by Matt Turner.

Robinson may continue his international career when the U.S. U23 team competes in qualifying for the Olympics on March 18-30 in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Bello came on in the 64th minute at left fullback, which has been a long-time position of need for the U.S. men’s national team but has since become one of its deeper positions.

Additionally, Atlanta United academy player Ajani Fortune started for Trinidad and Tobago.

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8/26/17 - Atlanta, GA - Georgia leaders, including Gov. Nathan Deal, Sandra Deal, members of the King family, and Rep. Calvin Smyre,  were on hand for unveiling of the first statue of Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday at the statehouse grounds, more than three years after Gov. Nathan Deal first announced the project.  During the hour-long ceremony leading to the unveiling of the statue of Martin Luther King Jr. at the state Capitol on Monday, many speakers, including Gov. Nathan Deal, spoke of King's biography. The statue was unveiled on the anniversary of King's famed "I Have Dream" speech. BOB ANDRES  /BANDRES@AJC.COM

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