For some, their first memories of soccer start with their first kick of a ball. For Miles Robinson, his attachment to the game began well before he could swing at one.
With an older sister obsessed with soccer at an early age, the boy from Massachusetts mirrored his sibling’s interest and never looked back. He played recreationally and eventually to an elite youth level, all the while enjoying himself without a worry about his future. Robinson competed for the love of the sport, growing and developing his skillset as a player and the opportunities presented themselves.
“I always had fun playing. I tried not to think about college too much until they started approaching me and that’s when I realized, whoa, I could go to some great colleges.”
Among a number of offers, Robinson chose Syracuse University in New York to pursue his education and continue his soccer career. He flourished immediately. Starting the entirety of his Freshman and Sophomore years, earning 2016 ACC Defensive Player of the Year and getting his name in the U.S. U-20 National Team pool, his next opportunity came knocking.
MLS expansion side Atlanta United drafted Robinson number two overall, making him the first-ever SuperDraft selection in the club’s history. It was exciting, but at the time, he had no idea the magic that lie ahead. He says to this day, it’s his favorite moment of his ATL UTD journey because it was the beginning of it all.
“It’s a great city. To be drafted to a great city and a great fan base, a new team, everything is just exciting around here.”
Over 36,000 season ticket holders, over 55,000 at the first match, single-match and season attendance records shattered and more – Robinson, nor anyone else for that matter, could have predicted the embrace of Atlanta.
“It’s crazy. Just a year ago I had no idea what the future held. It’s incredible, especially with the best fans in MLS already. This is where you want to come in as a rookie.”
It may be year one, but outsiders would be forgiven for thinking the club has been around for decades. Just like the streets of Europe’s most passionate and historic soccer towns, you can’t cross a street in Atlanta these days without passing a 5-Stripe flag. And Robinson can’t help but stand in awe of the support.
“That’s the thing that surprises me the most because you see Atlanta United everywhere you go. Other cities you never see MLS colors as much as this city. It’s actually crazy… they’re so many bumper stickers, people wearing gear just walking around and flags everywhere.”
Just as the city has gelled with the club, Robinson says the team has meshed all the same. And while he’s not sure what the future has in store, he’ll remain focused on what he’s done his whole life – enjoying the opportunity at hand. One he claims to be the ultimate destination for the sport.
“It has to be the best. It’s the best of the best. Everything about soccer in Atlanta is clearly the best.”
© 2026 Atlanta United FC
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