After a strong defensive performance in the U.S. Open Cup loss on June 15, Jalen Robinson earned himself his MLS debut against the Houston Dynamo three days later. D.C. United’s seventh homegrown signing came on as a late substitute to help reinforce the Black-and-Red defense and earn United a well-deserved point on the road and secure their sixth clean sheet of the season.
Since being signed on January 6, 2014, Robinson has seen substantial minutes in both the U.S. Open Cup and CONCACAF Champions League. The former Wake Forest player has asserted himself as an athletic and astute defender with the tools and talents necessary for becoming a staple of the Black-and-Red backline.
“It’s my third season and I’ve worked hard to get to this point,” he said. “I started when I was 19 and now I’m 22. I really do feel like it’s been a long time coming. I’ve been waiting for this day for a long time and it feels good.”
After spending the previous two seasons on loan with the Richmond Kickers and Arizona United SC, Robinson has taken that experience and confidence back to D.C. United for the 2016 season. With veteran center back Bobby Boswell and USMNT’s Steve Birnbaum along with Kofi Opare, the 22-year-old has the resources necessary for continuing to learn what it takes to become a top-class defender in the MLS.
“It is an important milestone for him in his young professional career and something that he will remember for a long time,” said D.C. United Academy Director, Nolan Sheldon. “The hope is that those first minutes of MLS action will serve as a catalyst for future growth and that he will continue to make an impact within the team.”
The Catonsville, MD native’s hard work on the training ground is a testament to his tenacity and hunger, and with his league debut under his belt, Robinson will look forward to more MLS action in the future.
