Atlanta United split points Saturday night against Eastern Conference opponent Columbus Crew thanks to an incredible last-minute header at the death from center back Miles Robinson. For his late game heroics, Robinson was named to the MLS Team of the Matchday presented by Audi released Monday.
The header scored in the 97th minute was Robinson's second MLS goal of the year and third of his career. To set up the finish, Thiago Almada drove in a ball off a set piece from just outside the 18-yard box. Almada was credited with the assist, which marked the midfielder's 29th in league play and broke a tie for second-place in the club's all-time assists category.
"Thiago put in a great ball," Robinson said. "I was trying to start behind the defense. But without the ball, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to put it in. So I just put it on target for the goal."
Robinson has previously received honors on the MLS Team of the Matchday this season. He joined Homegrown Caleb Wiley on the league's list back in March after the center back helped Atlanta United keep Charlotte FC off the board and earn Atlanta's first clean sheet of the season.
Since missing a majority of the 2022 season, Robinson has made strides to come back faster and stronger than ever, which has been proven with his numbers. Two MLS goals in one season is a career high for the center back. Robinson also completed Saturday's match against Columbus Crew winning 100 percent of his duels and being named Star of the Match. He's won 68.8 percent on the season, another career high.
The result from Saturday gave the 5-Stripes one point in the conference table with just one match remaining in the regular season. While Atlanta United can no longer finish in the top four in the conference, Robinson's last-minute finish saved a result, created a raucous atmosphere for the record-breaking supporters in attendance for the regular season home finale and added to the team's unrelenting mentality heading into playoffs.
"I think it comes from the fans, first and foremost, just the energy that comes with playing in the Benz is definitely something we appreciate. I think the fans have continued to give us the energy time and time again," Robinson said.
