Luis Robles
Robles with the New York Red Bulls in 2014
Personal information
Full name Luis Angel Robles
Date of birth (1984-05-11) May 11, 1984 (age 39)
Place of birth Fort Huachuca, Arizona, United States
Height 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)[1]
Position(s) Goalkeeper
College career
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2003–2006 Portland Pilots 78 (0)
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2003–2004 Boulder Rapids Reserve 27 (0)
2007–2008 1. FC Kaiserslautern II 15 (0)
2008–2010 1. FC Kaiserslautern 21 (0)
2010–2012 Karlsruher SC 28 (0)
2012–2019 New York Red Bulls 261 (0)
2020 Inter Miami 15 (0)
Total 367 (0)
International career‡
2009–2017 United States 3 (0)
Medal record
Representing  United States
FIFA Confederations Cup
Runner-up 2009 South Africa Team
CONCACAF Gold Cup
Runner-up CONCACAF Gold Cup 2009
Men's Soccer
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of October 3, 2020
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of February 3, 2017

Luis Angel Robles (born May 11, 1984) is an American former professional soccer player who played as a goalkeeper. Robles holds the MLS record for most consecutive regular-season starts with 183, spanning September 2012 to May 2018.

Early career

Born in Fort Huachuca, Arizona to a Puerto Rican father and a Korean mother, Robles got his start at the prestigious Tucson Soccer Academy, training under the guidance of coach Wolfgang Weber. From 2003 to 2006, Robles played for the University of Portland Pilots, making a school-record 346 saves during his college career.[2] He also played two seasons for the Boulder Rapids Reserve in the USL Premier Development League.[3]

Professional career

1. FC Kaiserslautern

Robles was drafted by Major League Soccer club D.C. United with the 50th overall selection in the 2007 MLS SuperDraft. However, he passed up MLS and signed instead with German side Kaiserslautern in January 2007.[2][4] Robles made his league debut on October 17, 2008 against Rot Weiss Ahlen. He was thrust into the starting role due to an injury to incumbent starter Tobias Sippel and outperformed fellow backup and German youth international Kevin Trapp.[5] In his first season of German soccer he finished the season with sixteen games played and conceded seventeen goals. Robles missed much of the summer training with Kaiserslautern – which had recently hired a new manager, Marco Kurz – because of his inclusion in the United States squad at the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup.[6] As a result, he entered the 2009–10 season as the backup once again.[7]

Karlsruher SC

After making few appearances in 2009–10, which saw Kaiserslautern promoted for the 2010–11 Fußball-Bundesliga season, Robles signed a two-year deal with 2. Fußball-Bundesliga club Karlsruher SC.[8] In his first year with Karlsruhe he appeared in twenty-three games as the club's starting goalkeeper.[9] In 2011–12, he appeared in five league matches and was released by the club at the end of the season.[10]

New York Red Bulls

On August 8, 2012, Robles was acquired by the New York Red Bulls through Major League Soccer's Allocation Process.[3] Before signing with the club, Robles contemplated retiring from soccer after his offer with the Vancouver Whitecaps fell through. Once he heard that the offer failed, he took a job with a realtor in order to receive healthcare for his pregnant wife. A few weeks later, Robles made contact with the league office and Ali Curtis who entered him in the Allocation draft, where he eventually signed with the Red Bulls.[11][9] Robles made his debut for New York, starting against Toronto FC on September 29, 2012 a game in which the Red Bulls won 4–1.[12] After first choice goalkeeper Ryan Meara suffered a hip injury, Robles was named the starter for the final four matches as well as the 2012 MLS Cup Playoffs.[13]

Robles celebrating with the Southward in 2016

Robles cemented his position as the club's starting goalkeeper during the 2013 season as he started all 34 league matches and received praises from star midfielder, Tim Cahill about his fearlessness and desire to succeed.[13] His strong performances in goal throughout the season led New York to the MLS Supporters' Shield - their first ever trophy. For the second year in a row, Robles started all 34 league matches, and led his team to the 2014 Eastern Conference Finals where they ultimately fell to the New England Revolution 4–3 on aggregate. Robles' was awarded with the MLS Save of the Year for his double save against the Seattle Sounders on September 20.[14]

After the controversial firing of head coach Mike Petke in January 2015, Robles attended a town hall meeting for season ticket holders with newly appointed Sporting Director, Ali Curtis and head coach, Jesse Marsch. Robles volunteered to attend the meeting to be a voice for the players and to calm the nerves of the supporters.[15] On September 20, 2015 Robles helped New York to a 2–0 victory over Portland Timbers, earning his ninth shutout of the season, and 28th of his MLS career, adding to the club record he set earlier in the season. In this match Robles also became the only player in league history to make 100 consecutive starts for the same club.[16] In a 1–0 playoff victory against D.C. United, Robles became the club's all-time leader for career shutouts with 31.[17] Robles was awarded the 2015 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Award on November 19, 2015.[18]

During the 2016 pre-season, it was announced that Robles had signed a multi-year contract extension with the club. As per MLS regulations the details of the contract were not disclosed.[19] At the conclusion of the Red Bulls 2–1 loss to the Colorado Rapids on April 16, 2016, Robles became the MLS' new Ironman, by setting a new record of playing 90 minutes in 113 consecutive matches.[20] During the Red Bulls next home match on April 25, previous record holder Kevin Hartman awarded Robles with the Ironman trophy.[21] On April 29, 2016, Robles helped New York to a 4–0 victory against FC Dallas recording his first shutout of the season.[22] During a 6-game span in from May 13 to June 22, Robles helped the Red Bulls shut out opponents for 472 consecutive minutes; a streak that would come to an end in a 2–1 defeat to Real Salt Lake.[23] In June 2016, Robles received an ESPY nomination for MLS Player of the Year.[24] On June 25, Robles made his 140th appearance with the club, tying him with Tony Meola and Roy Miller for tenth all-time in club history. On August 16, Robles made his CONCACAF Champions League debut in a 1–1 draw against Alianza F.C. in El Salvador.[25]

On March 11, 2017, Robles set an MLS record for consecutive league starts with 142. Robles has started every league game with the club since his first appearance on September 29, 2012.[26] Robles became the first player in club history to record 50 clean sheets on April 15, 2017 after a 2–0 victory against rivals D.C. United.[27] On October 25, Robles became the club's all-time appearance leader with 199, surpassing former captain, Dax McCarty. The following weekend on October 30, he became the first player in team history to make 200 appearances for the club across all competitions.[28]

Before the start of the 2018 season, Robles was named as the club's new captain by coach Jesse Marsch.[29] On March 1, Robles recorded a clean-sheet in a 2–0 victory over Olimpia in the CONCACAF Champions League;[30] helping New York advance to the Champions League Quarterfinals for the second time in club history. On March 6, Robles recorded a career high 13 saves to lead New York to a 2–0 victory in Mexico over Club Tijuana in the CONCACAF Champions League.[31] After an injury against the Colorado Rapids, Robles was forced to sit out the next match, ending the MLS Ironman streak, and setting a new league record of 183 consecutive matches played.[32] Robles recorded his career-high 14th shutout of the season in a 1–0 victory against Orlando City on October 28. The win also helped New York win their third Supporters' Shield in six years.[33]

Robles with the Red Bulls in 2019

Robles was named the 2019 New York Red Bulls Humanitarian of the Year for his work with children with serious illnesses, as well as his involvement with the Laureus Sport for Good fashion show.[34] New York elected not to re-sign Robles following the 2019 season.[35] He left New York holding club career records for games played, games started, and minutes played.

Inter Miami

In December 2019, Robles joined MLS expansion side Inter Miami CF ahead of their inaugural 2020 season.[36]

Following the 2020 season, Inter Miami declined Robles's contract option. Robles announced his retirement from playing professional soccer on January 6, 2021.[37]

International career

In May 2009, Robles was invited to a May 26 – June 1 senior men's national team training camp, his first camp with the full national team, although he was not named to the official roster for the June 3 and 6 World Cup qualifying matches.[38][39] A week after the conclusion of his first camp, Robles was named to the United States roster for the Confederations Cup.[40][41] On July 11, 2009, Robles made his debut with the United States against Haiti in the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup, a game which ended drawn 2–2.[42][43] Robles made his return to the United States national team with a 3–2 friendly win against Iceland on January 31, 2016.[44] He would make his third cap in a 1–0 friendly win against Jamaica on February 3, 2017, but was subbed out after 45 minutes.[45][46]

Career statistics

Club

As of November 25, 2019
Club Season League League Cup Domestic Cup Continental Total
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
1. FC Kaiserslautern 2008–09 20 0 0 0 0 0 – 20 0
2009–10 1 0 0 0 0 0 – 1 0
Total 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 21 0
Karlsruher SC 2010–11 23 0 0 0 0 0 – 23 0
2011–12 5 0 0 0 0 0 – 5 0
Total 28 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 28 0
New York Red Bulls 2012 4 0 2 0 0 0 – 6 0
2013 34 0 2 0 0 0 – 36 0
2014 34 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 39 0
2015 34 0 4 0 3 0 – 41 0
2016 34 0 2 0 1 0 3 0 40 0
2017 34 0 3 0 0 0 2 0 39 0
2018 31 0 4 0 1 0 6 0 42 0
2019 33 0 1 0 0 0 4 0 38 0
Total 238 0 23 0 5 0 15 0 281 0
Career total 287 0 23 0 5 0 15 0 320 0

Honors

Club

1. FC Kaiserslautern

New York Red Bulls

Individual

References

  1. ^ "Luis Robles | MLSsoccer.com".
  2. ^ a b Davidson, Gary (January 27, 2007). "Robles opts against MLS, signs with Kaiserslautern in Germany". SoccerTimes.com. Archived from the original on December 30, 2008. Retrieved May 29, 2009.
  3. ^ a b "Red Bulls Acquire Goalkeeper Luis Robles". August 8, 2012. Retrieved August 8, 2012.
  4. ^ "German second division team signs U.S. goalie". ESPNsoccernet. Associated Press. January 31, 2007. Retrieved May 29, 2009.
  5. ^ Smith, David (May 22, 2009). "Robles: We're in a Good Position". Yanks-Abroad.com. Archived from the original on May 24, 2009. Retrieved May 29, 2009.((cite news)): CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  6. ^ "YA Best XI: Luis Robles". Yanks-Abroad.com. November 19, 2009. Archived from the original on November 24, 2009. Retrieved March 24, 2010.((cite news)): CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  7. ^ Ubha, Ravi (January 26, 2010). "Robles trying to reclaim his starting berth at Kaiserslautern". PortlandPilots.com. ESPNsoccernet. Retrieved October 12, 2019.
  8. ^ Waddell, Clint (August 10, 2010). "Robles Joines Karlsruher SC". Yanks-Abroad.com. Archived from the original on June 29, 2011. Retrieved August 31, 2010.((cite news)): CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  9. ^ a b Giacometti, Eric (March 20, 2015). "New York Red Bulls goalkeeper Luis Robles's long journey to Germany, to obscurity, and back". Retrieved March 20, 2015.
  10. ^ Lewis, Michael (October 23, 2015). "Red Bulls goalie Luis Robles hopes for more than just his name in the record book". Fox News. Retrieved October 12, 2019.
  11. ^ Schaerlaeckens, Leander (October 30, 2015). "In Goal for the Red Bulls, an Unlikely Ironman". The New York Times. Retrieved March 6, 2018.
  12. ^ Panizo, Franco (September 29, 2012). "Henry's Magical Night Lifts Red Bulls Past Toronto FC". New York Red Bulls. Retrieved May 6, 2013.
  13. ^ a b Caldwell, Dave (July 26, 2013). "One Grateful Red BullLuis Robles Makes Comeback". WSJ.com. Retrieved October 12, 2019.
  14. ^ "Luis Robles wins 2014 MLS Save of the Year". NewYorkRedBulls.com.
  15. ^ "New York Red Bulls Town Hall: The Good, The Bad and the Ugly". EmpireOfSoccer.com.
  16. ^ "Match Recap: Portland Timber 0 New York Red Bulls 2". newyorkredbulls.com. August 20, 2015. Retrieved August 20, 2015.
  17. ^ "Luis Robles sets New York Red Bulls' all-time record for career shutouts in all competitions". newyorkredbulls.com. November 1, 2015. Retrieved November 1, 2015.
  18. ^ "Luis Robles Wins 2015 Allstate MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Award". newyorkredbulls.com. November 19, 2015. Retrieved November 19, 2015.
  19. ^ "New York Red Bulls extend contracts of Luis Robles, Mike Grella and Sal Zizzo, bring back Shaun Wright-Phillips". MLSsoccer.com. January 25, 2016. Retrieved January 25, 2016.
  20. ^ "New York Red Bulls' Luis Robles sets new MLS ironman record". MLSsoccer.com. April 18, 2016. Retrieved April 18, 2016.
  21. ^ "LUIS ROBLES: Ironman Award Presentation". NewYorkRedBulls.com.
  22. ^ "New York Red Bulls 4, FC Dallas 0: 2016 MLS Match Recap". MLSSoccer.com. Retrieved April 29, 2015.
  23. ^ "MATCH RECAP: Real Salt Lake vs. New York Red Bulls". NewYorkRedBulls.com.
  24. ^ "Red Bulls' Luis Robles nominated for an ESPY". EmpireOfSoccer.com. Retrieved June 23, 2016.
  25. ^ "Alianza FC, 1 vs. New York Red Bulls, 1". MLSSoccer.com. Retrieved August 17, 2016.
  26. ^ "Red Bulls' Luis Robles sets MLS record for consecutive games played". ESPNFC.com. March 11, 2017. Retrieved March 11, 2017.
  27. ^ "Luis Robles records his 50th shutout in all competitions for New York Red Bulls". OnceAMetro.com. April 15, 2017. Retrieved April 15, 2017.
  28. ^ "TWO HUNDRED: Luis Robles Starts 200th Career Game for New York Red Bulls". NewYorkRedBulls.com. Retrieved October 30, 2017.
  29. ^ "Luis Robles Selected as New York Red Bulls Captain". NewYorkRedBulls.com. Retrieved February 21, 2018.
  30. ^ "Post-Match Notes: Red Bulls Defeat CD Olimpia, 2-0; Face Tijuana in CCL Quarterfinals". NewYorkRedBulls.com. March 1, 2018. Retrieved March 1, 2018.
  31. ^ "BWP, Robles Lead New York Past Club Tijuana". NewYorkRedBulls.com. March 6, 2018. Retrieved March 7, 2018.
  32. ^ "Red Bulls announce Luis Robles will miss Atlanta trip, ending ironman run". MLSSoccer.com. May 19, 2018. Retrieved May 19, 2018.
  33. ^ "Red Bulls blank Orlando City to capture Supporters' Shield, playoff bye". ESPN.com. October 28, 2018. Retrieved October 28, 2018.
  34. ^ "New York Red Bulls Announce 2019 Team Awards". November 8, 2019. Retrieved June 5, 2020.
  35. ^ "Bradley Wright-Phillips, Luis Robles depart as Red Bulls announce 2020 roster decisions". MLSSoccer.com. November 21, 2019. Retrieved November 25, 2019.
  36. ^ "Inter Miami CF Signs Goalkeeper Luis Robles". InterMiamiCF.com. Retrieved December 2, 2019.
  37. ^ "Former New York Red Bulls, Inter Miami goalkeeper Luis Robles announces retirement | MLSsoccer.com".
  38. ^ "Bradley Names 24-Man Roster to Train For FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Against Costa Rica and Honduras". Chicago: USSF. May 24, 2008. Archived from the original on May 27, 2009. Retrieved May 29, 2009.
  39. ^ "Robles Invited to U.S. National Team Training Camp". PortlandPilots.com. University of Portland Athletics. May 26, 2009. Retrieved May 29, 2009.
  40. ^ "Bradley Announces 23-Man FIFA Confederations Cup Roster". Chicago: USSF. June 7, 2009. Archived from the original on June 10, 2009. Retrieved June 8, 2009.
  41. ^ "Ching, Hejduk off US roster for Confederations Cup". USA Today. Associated Press. June 7, 2009. Retrieved June 8, 2009.
  42. ^ "Late strike by Holden salvages tie in local product Robles' debut". Arizona Daily Star. July 12, 2009. Retrieved July 27, 2009.
  43. ^ "USA ties Haiti on Holden's late goal to win Gold Cup Group B". USA Today. Associated Press. July 12, 2009. Retrieved July 27, 2009.
  44. ^ "United States beats Iceland on Steve Birnbaum's late header". Newsday. Associated Press. February 1, 2016. Retrieved October 12, 2019.
  45. ^ Orihuela, Chris (February 2, 2017). "Report: Luis Robles to start for USMNT vs. Jamaica". NewYorkRedBulls.com. Retrieved October 12, 2019.
  46. ^ "Morris goal lifts U.S. over Jamaica in friendly". CONCACAF.com. February 4, 2017. Retrieved October 12, 2019.

External links

United States squads
Awards
Categories