FC Cincinnati has fortified the center back position with the signing of U.S. men's national team player Miles Robinson.
The 26-year-old Robinson will sign for Cincinnati for the 2024 season with an option year in 2025, multiple sources with direct knowledge of the signing confirmed to The Enquirer.
FC Cincinnati on Wednesday announced the signing publicly. The signing was first reported by Tom Bogert of The Athletic.
“We are thrilled that Miles chose to continue his career in Cincinnati,” FC Cincinnati general manager Chris Albright said in a team news release. “He is an elite defender with a dynamic skillset who already has an incredible amount of MLS and international experience. His personality and character are an immediate addition to our locker room and we’d like to welcome him to FC Cincinnati.”
FC Cincinnati prevailed in the bidding for Robinson's services even after other offers domestically, as well as reported interest from abroad. FCC staffers were confident about their recruitment pitch to Robinson in the days immediately following the player's mid-December visit to Cincinnati.
Robinson arrives at FC Cincinnati following six full seasons with Atlanta United. During that time, he became an MLS Cup champion, a prominent USMNT player and, eventually, arguably the most prominent free agent of the current offseason.
The signing addresses a position of need for Cincinnati. The club's three-center back system was exposed in the MLS Cup playoffs due to personnel absences. Nick Hagglund and Matt Miazga were unavailable due to season-ending surgery and suspension, respectively, and Yerson Mosquera was available throughout the postseason for FCC but his future at the club was in doubt after his loan expired.
Enter Robinson, a decorated and no-doubt starter at center back.
Robinson, a right-footed player, will be able slot in at center back alongside Miazga in formations with two and three center backs. The right-sided center back position in FC Cincinnati's 3-5-2 was covered by Alvas Powell during the last two matches of the playoffs for FCC.
What to know about Miles Robinson
- Robinson has 123 career MLS appearances and 111 starts − all with Atlanta United, where he was a two-time MLS Best XI honoree. After a career-best 33 starts in 2019, Robinson made 26 starts for Atlanta United this past season.
- Robinson's busy 2023 put to rest any concerns of lingering issues from a major injury. After rupturing his left Achilles in 2022, which likely caused him to miss the 2022 FIFA men's World Cup in Qatar, Robinson's 26 starts this past season were the second-most of his career.
- FC Cincinnati wasn't shy about Robinson's recruitment. Locals were alerted to the possibility of the recruitment efforts by the "Miles for Cincy" message that scrolled across TQL Stadium's lighted exterior fins on Dec. 13, 2023. The message was witnessed from surrounding neighborhoods and as far away as Mt. Adams.
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