Miles Robinson agrees to new contract with Atlanta United

Atlanta United defender Miles Robinson trys to head a corner kick into the net against a host of Orlando City defenders during the first half in a MLS soccer match on Sunday, May 12, 2019, in Atlanta.  Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

Credit: ccompton@ajc.com

Credit: ccompton@ajc.com

Atlanta United defender Miles Robinson trys to head a corner kick into the net against a host of Orlando City defenders during the first half in a MLS soccer match on Sunday, May 12, 2019, in Atlanta. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com

Atlanta United and centerback Miles Robinson have agreed to a contract extension that will keep him with the team through the 2023 season.

Robinson had one year remaining on the original contract he signed when the team made him its first-ever draft pick in 2017 as the No. 2 overall selection.

“Miles’ ability and potential was evident from the day we first scouted him, and we targeted him in the draft believing he could develop into a national team player,” Atlanta United Vice President and Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra said in a statement. “He patiently waited for his opportunity to break into the starting lineup, continued to put in the work needed to improve his game, and now he’s an integral part of our backline. We’re excited to secure him to a long-term contract.”

After two years of mostly watching and gaining experience, the 22-year-old Robinson this season emerged as arguably MLS’ best centerback. He is currently in camp with the United State’s Men’s National Team. He earned his first two appearances earlier this year against Mexico and Uruguay. He is a nominee for 2019 MLS Defender of the Year.

Teammate Michael Parkhurst has described Robinson as the best one-on-one defender he has ever seen. With Parkhurst’s retirement at the end of this season, it was important that the team kept Robinson.

Financial terms of the contract were not released.