In an effort to add depth to an already strong back line, Detroit City FC announced the signing of veteran defender Jalen Robinson to a two-year deal including an option for 2024.
Growing up in the Washington D.C. area, Robinson spent a lot of his time cultivating his game in that part of the country. In 2014, he signed his first professional contract with DC United but would spend the majority of the year with the club’s then USL Pro affiliate Richmond Kickers before getting loaned out to Arizona United (now Phoenix Rising) due to lack of playing time in Richmond. Eventually, Robinson would make his way back to the Kickers in 2015 making the starting eleven in all 17 of his appearances — an accomplishment that finally caught the eye of DC United who would bring Robinson up in 2016 and keep him there for the next three seasons. During that span, Robinson would appear in 26 matches while starting in 19 of them.
Aside from his time in MLS, Robinson also has plenty of experience in the USL Championship, specifically in the Eastern Conference. After his stint with the United ended, Robinson signed with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in 2021 starting in 11 matches before becoming reconnected again in a way with the DC United in 2022 signing with their then USL Championship affiliate Loudoun United. It was in Loudoun too where Robinson really became a vital piece of the United starting eleven notching 1,959 minutes of playing time while starting in 21 matches over 23 total appearances.
There are plenty of questions when it comes to where the 28-year-old fits in within the Detroit formation. Yes, the team needs that aforementioned depth on the backline, especially on the left flank as Sean Spence of Words About Shapes notes. However, Spence also points out that much of Robinson’s time on the flank comes on the right, now left side, which will be something to pay attention to over these next several weeks heading into the start of the regular season.
