Miles Robinson to start for USMNT against Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday

When the United States men’s national team takes the field for a friendly against Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday, a familiar face to Atlanta United fans will be starting on the backline next to Aaron Long.

Atlanta center back Miles Robinson will be in the starting XI against the Soca Warriors in Orlando, USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter revealed in his pre-matchday media availability on Saturday. Sunday’s start will be the first national team start and the 3rd overall appearance for the 23-year-old Massachusetts native.

Robinson, along with fellow Atlanta defender George Bello, was one of 26 U-23 players selected by under-23s head coach Jason Kreis to join 12 senior team players at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, for the program’s annual January camp. Both made the cut last Sunday for Berhalter’s final 25-man roster that would be eligible for selection for this Sunday’s friendly in Orlando.

Sunday’s match is critical as Kreis will be tasked with evaluating the age-eligible players that will make up the roster for March’s Concacaf Olympic qualifying tournament. And the final group will be facing immense pressure as the United States have failed to qualify for the Olympics since 2008. Robinson, along with Bello eventually, will look to make a strong impression on both Kreis and Berhalter to put themselves in the mix not only when it comes to the Olympic picture, but hopefully an overall place in the senior team.