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Robinson Makes Mark in First MLS Start

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 06/27/16, 2:41PM EDT

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Former Arizona, Richmond loanee named to Team of the Week for D.C.

The path to D.C. United’s starting lineup has taken some major diversions since Jalen Robinson signed as a Homegrown Player with the club in 2014. On Saturday night, the 22-year-old came up big in his first start for United in MLS as the hosts took a 2-0 victory against the New England Revolution at RFK Stadium.

The former U-20 National Team player’s career began on the other side of the country, in fact, as Arizona United SC became Robinson’s initial proving ground in the professional ranks. After making 19 appearances for the expansion side two years ago, Robinson was sent out on loan again last season to D.C.’s USL partners the Richmond Kickers, where he made 15 appearances in the regular season, helping the side reach the playoffs.

Robinson returned to Richmond at the start of 2016, making a pair of early-season appearances for the Kickers, but after featuring for United in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, Saturday brought his first chance at the MLS level. Robinson barely put a foot wrong, finishing with seven clearances, five recoveries and three blocks to earn MLS Team of the Week honors.


Photo courtesy Pattie Anderson / Richmond Kickers

“It was a good 90 minutes for me,” Robinson said. “I don’t mind a performance like that, and it wasn’t just me, it was the team. I thought the team played well to go out and get a [win] at home. You make it a fortress, that’s the whole point, to make RFK a fortress, and I think this was a good start to do so.”

Going up against an experienced Revolution attack that included standout forward Kei Kamara, and others like Lee Nguyen, Teal Bunbury and Kelyn Rowe, United Coach Ben Olsen was very happy with what he saw.

“I’ve seen this kid grow now for quite a while, and as he’ll tell you, it hasn’t been an easy road for him,” Olsen said. “For him to get out there and play the way he did tonight against some pretty accomplished forwards in this league is fun. For a coach, it’s a lot of fun to see him.”

Following a similar path to that of teammate Taylor Kemp, who appeared for Richmond in 2013 and 2014 before becoming an established starter for United, Robinson’s challenge now is to build on a strong debut, as United looks to solidify a playoff position in the second half of the MLS season.

“Jalen was big-time tonight,” said United defender Sean Franklin. “He’s really grown up in the three years I’ve been here. … For that kid to do so well in his first start is great for us and great for his confidence. He’s a product of the academy and it was a well-deserved start and I thought he was man of the match to come in like that and play so well.”

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