Jalen Robinson
Jalen Robinson (born May 8, 1994) is an American soccer player last played for D.C. United in Major League Soccer.
Personal information | |||
---|---|---|---|
Date of birth | May 8, 1994 | ||
Place of birth | Catonsville, Maryland, United States | ||
Height | 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) | ||
Position(s) | Defender | ||
Youth career | |||
Bethesda SC | |||
2009–2012 | D.C. United | ||
College career | |||
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
2012–2013 | Wake Forest Demon Deacons | 36 | (2) |
Senior career* | |||
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
2014–2019 | D.C. United | 26 | (0) |
2014 | → Richmond Kickers (loan) | 1 | (0) |
2014 | → Arizona United (loan) | 19 | (0) |
2015–2016 | → Richmond Kickers (loan) | 18 | (1) |
National team‡ | |||
2010–2011 | United States U18 | 5 | (1) |
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of October 8, 2019 ‡ National team caps and goals correct as of April 28, 2014 |
Youth and amateur soccer
Robinson grew up in the Washington metropolitan area, and played for Bethesda SC in Maryland, before signing on with D.C. United's academy. After two years of playing for the academy, Robinson opted to forgo a professional contract and signed a scholarship to play college soccer at Wake Forest University. Robinson was a two-year starter for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons men's soccer program, where he earned the All-ACC Second Team in 2013.[1]
Professional career
Robinson signed a homegrown contract with MLS club D.C. United on January 6, 2014.[2] In March 2014, he was loaned to USL Pro affiliate club Richmond Kickers.[3] His professional debut and only appearance for the Kickers came on April 26 in a 5-1 victory over the Dayton Dutch Lions.[4] After six weeks in Richmond and unable to find much playing time, D.C. United recalled Robinson and loaned him to Arizona United.[5][6] With Arizona, Robinson made 14 appearances for the club.
Ahead of the 2015 season, Robinson was loaned out once again to Richmond. On March 28, 2015, in the first game of the 2015 USL season, Robinson scored his first professional goal in a 2–2 draw against Wilmington Hammerheads FC.
Robinson made his D.C. United debut on June 19, 2016 coming on against the Houston Dynamo as a late game substitute. Robinson played in the following game against the New England Revolution, lifting a depleted D.C. United defensive back line to 2-0 shutout in his first MLS start. Robinson was credited with three blocked shots, five recoveries, seven clearances, four interceptions and two tackles while completing 85.7% of his passes.[7] Fans and teammates alike commented that his performance made him a Man of the Match contender.[7][8]
Robinson's contract with D.C. United ended after the 2019 season.[9]
References
- "2013 All-ACC Men's Teams Announced". Atlantic Coast Conference. TheACC.com. Archived from the original on November 19, 2015. Retrieved March 29, 2015.
- "D.C. United signs Homegrown defender Jalen Robinson". D.C. United. January 6, 2014. Retrieved April 28, 2014.
- Goff, Steven (March 25, 2014). "D.C. United loans 4 to Richmond". The Washington Post. Retrieved April 28, 2014.
- http://www.uslsoccer.com/scripts/runisa.dll?M2.327730:gp::72011+Elements/Display+E+47107+Stats/+4428835 Archived April 28, 2014, at Archive.today
- D.C. United (May 9, 2014). "Jalen Robinson to go on loan with Arizona United SC" (Press release). Washington, D.C.: dcunited.com. Retrieved December 22, 2014.
- Arizona United SC (May 9, 2014). "Arizona United Soccer Club adds Robinson on loan" (Press release). Peoria, AZ: arizonaunited.com. Archived from the original on December 22, 2014. Retrieved December 22, 2014.
- Keefer, Ryan (June 27, 2016). "D.C. United vs. New England Revolution Community/Staff Player Ratings". Retrieved June 29, 2016.
- Streff, Steven (June 26, 2016). "Jalen Robinson stands tall against New England in his first MLS start". Retrieved June 29, 2016.
- "D.C. United have announced that 16 players are under contract for the 2020 MLS season". November 22, 2019. Retrieved November 28, 2019.