Syracuse’s Miles Robinson picked 2nd overall by Atlanta United in MLS SuperDraft

For the second straight year, the Syracuse Orange saw two of their star players move on from the men’s soccer team to the MLS. The more highly touted player, Miles Robinson, signed a Generation Adidas deal (non-graduated senior entering MLS) and has been selected second overall by expansion franchise Atlanta United, the highest-ever pick for a Syracuse Men’s soccer product.

Miles has been impressing scouts this past season, most recently standing out at the MLS Combine and earning the distinction of best center back available in a loaded class. Robinson has been compared to established center back Jelle Van Damne a “is a rangy, high risk-reward center back who likes to step into challenges and form the base of the spine during attacks.”

Miles’ true strength is his possession ability from the back. In MLS, many of these types of center backs are undersized, and often get moved to midfield. However, Robinson’s size (6’2”, 185) basically ensures he’s staying back on defense, a huge plus. Many believe with new MLS focused US National Coach Bruce Arena, Miles could have a shot to be representing the Stars and Stripes sooner rather than later.

While at Syracuse, Robinson played two seasons, earning first team All-American honors this past year, first team All-ACC, ACC Defensive Player, and a semifinalist for the Hermann Trophy. This is the third consecutive year Syracuse has produced a Generation Adidas player taken in the MLS Draft. Robinson joins Alex Bono (‘14, 6th overall to Toronto FC) and Julian Buescher (‘15, 11th overall to DC United).