With the MLS season well underway and USL action set to start this week, it’s time to get caught up on what the alumni of Clemson men’s soccer have been up to through the early part of 2021!
After being named to Inter Miami’s starting XI in its season opener against LA Galaxy, Robbie Robinson made a strong first impression on the 2021 season by scoring his first professional goal and the first in club history under new head coach Phil Neville with moments to spare in the first half.
ROBBIE ROBINSON!!!!!#ClemsonUnited 🧡💜 pic.twitter.com/uFgi0FtDPR— Clemson Men's Soccer (@ClemsonMSoccer) April 18, 2021
ROBBIE ROBINSON!!!!!#ClemsonUnited 🧡💜 pic.twitter.com/uFgi0FtDPR
— Clemson Men's Soccer (@ClemsonMSoccer) April 18, 2021
Robinson has made waves around the league thanks to his brilliant form through the opening two matches this year, as the second-year player has flourished in his new attacking midfield role. Robinson played all 90 minutes against the Galaxy and was on the pitch for the first 46 minutes against the Philadelphia Union.
Stand out player for Miami has been Robbie Robinson. Last years #1 pick is really showing well— Stu Holden (@stuholden) April 18, 2021
Stand out player for Miami has been Robbie Robinson. Last years #1 pick is really showing well
— Stu Holden (@stuholden) April 18, 2021
Andrew Tarbell has gotten to be a part of Austin FC history, as the veteran goalkeeper has dressed for the first two MLS matches in club history. Tarbell’s side secured its first-ever victory by defeating the Colorado Rapids, 3-1, on the road this past weekend. Austin FC will be away from home until June 19 as the club awaits its new Q2 Stadium to finish being constructed.
Tonight’s XI for #COLvATX. #AustinFC x @YETICoolers pic.twitter.com/EWr74sSoyh— Austin FC (@AustinFC) April 25, 2021
Tonight’s XI for #COLvATX. #AustinFC x @YETICoolers pic.twitter.com/EWr74sSoyh
— Austin FC (@AustinFC) April 25, 2021
Tommy McNamara earned the start in the center of the Revolution’s midfield on opening day, ultimately helping his side to a 2-2 draw at Soldier Field against the Chicago Fire. Against D.C. United, McNamara entered as a substitute in the 64th minute and played the remainder of the match as his side went on to win, 1-0.
After being named to D.C. United’s opening day roster for its match against NYCFC, Kimarni Smith earned his first professional appearance by entering in the 70th minute during United’s match against the New England Revolution. Smith slotted into his side’s attacking group and saw a couple of quality touches on the ball during the closing minutes of the match.
What. A. Moment. Congratulations, Kimarni, on making your first appearance in MLS! 🙌#ClemsonUnited 🧡💜 pic.twitter.com/kOMXYyuVc3— Clemson Men's Soccer (@ClemsonMSoccer) April 25, 2021
What. A. Moment.
Congratulations, Kimarni, on making your first appearance in MLS! 🙌#ClemsonUnited 🧡💜 pic.twitter.com/kOMXYyuVc3
— Clemson Men's Soccer (@ClemsonMSoccer) April 25, 2021
Grayson Barber has dressed for Sporting KC’s first two matches of the season, with his side having already secured four points from the opening bit of MLS play.
Jack Metcalf and the San Diego Loyal are set to open their season against Phoenix Rising FC on Friday, April 30 at 10 p.m.
Pre season ✅ …Now the fun begins ⚽️😬 @SanDiegoLoyal pic.twitter.com/w93gHPxv10— Jack Metcalf (@JackPezMet) April 27, 2021
Pre season ✅ …Now the fun begins ⚽️😬 @SanDiegoLoyal pic.twitter.com/w93gHPxv10
— Jack Metcalf (@JackPezMet) April 27, 2021
After a long career with Saint Louis FC, Phanuel Kavita joined the Birmingham Legion during the offseason and is set to open the 2021 season when his club hosts Indy Eleven on Saturday, May 1 at 7:30 p.m.
Time to 🔒 down the 205.Welcome to Birmingham, @phanuel313! #HammerDownhttps://t.co/kAxrE0yano— Birmingham Legion FC (@bhmlegion) December 8, 2020
Time to 🔒 down the 205.
Welcome to Birmingham, @phanuel313! #HammerDownhttps://t.co/kAxrE0yano
— Birmingham Legion FC (@bhmlegion) December 8, 2020
Kyle Murphy made the move to join Memphis 901 FC on March 12 after spending a year with the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Murphy and his new club will open their season on May 15 against the Birmingham Legion.
See you soon @kmurph_19#DefendMemphis | @MemphisTravel— Memphis 901 FC (@Memphis901FC) March 12, 2021
See you soon @kmurph_19#DefendMemphis | @MemphisTravel
— Memphis 901 FC (@Memphis901FC) March 12, 2021
Philip Mayaka will start the season with the Colorado Rapids’ USL Championship side, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. The Switchbacks’ season will begin on Sunday, May 1 as the team travels to San Antonio FC for its match at 8:30 p.m.
Malick Mbaye is returning to North Carolina FC for a second season after signing a new contract with the club on March 19. The club will play as a part of the USL League 1 starting in 2021 after spending many seasons as a part of the USL Championship division.
Saturday, May 1
Sunday, May 2
Friday, April 30