Ian McIntyre spoke to the media on Monday about his former player's inclusion on Team USA.
Last week, we learned that former Syracuse men's soccer standout Miles Robinson will represent Team USA at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which begins in less than two weeks and is being hosted at various sites across North America.
Robinson isn't the only former SU standout to be playing in the World Cup, as Tajon Buchanan will also suit up for Team Canada, marking his second World Cup selection.
On Monday, SU head coach Ian McIntyre spoke to Syracuse television personality Ashley Wenskoski about the impact of Robinson's selection:
"It's the pinnacle of our sport, and to think about Miles competing on that stage, the biggest stage of all, is just surreal."
McIntyre also said the World Cup is a great opportunity to help grow the game in the United States, and he said the idea of watching some of his former players represent their home nations is "special."
Background on Miles Robinson
Born in Arlington, Mass., Robinson's path to Syracuse was a unique one. Despite being a standout athlete at Arlington High School, Robinson did not participate on the school's soccer team because of his participation on a private soccer team called the FC Greater Boston Bulls. This participation meant he was not allowed to play as a member of the Arlington high school soccer team.
Despite not playing on the school team, Robinson committed to Syracuse in 2015, serving as a pivotal figure in both his freshman and sophomore seasons. In his freshman campaign, Robinson helped lead the Orange to the Final Four, where they lost against Clemson. Robinson's sophomore season included another NCAA Tournament appearance along with him being named the ACC's Defensive Player of the Year.
After two seasons, Robinson left Syracuse to begin his professional career. The last decade has included stints with FC Boston, Atlanta United and FC Cincinnati, where he currently plays in the MLS.
Robinson's international experience
This summer's World Cup will not be the first time Robinson has had international exposure.
Robinson represented Team USA in the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup, an event where he scored the game-winning goal in the championship round.
Robinson was projected as a team member for Team USA for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, however a ruptured Achilles tendon in May prevented him from taking the pitch.
In 2024, Robinson was a part of Team USA during the Olympic games held in Paris.
When and where can you watch Team USA?
Team USA's first World Cup match is set for Friday, June 12 at 9 p.m. ET versus Paraguay. Match number two is set for June 19 at 3 p.m. ET against Australia. Match three is set for June 25 at 10 p.m. ET versus Turkey.
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