Red Bull New York announced today that it has acquired former Welsh National Team midfielder Carl Robinson from Toronto FC in exchange for a fourth round selection in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft. Robinson will be added to New York’s roster pending P-1 visa approval.
“Carl is a very consistent player who will immediately contend for a spot in our starting lineup,” said Red Bull New York General Manager and Sporting Director Erik Soler. “He has a significant amount of experience at both the club and international level and we expect that he will bring a strong veteran presence to our locker room.”
Robinson, 33, played for Toronto FC in regular season play 74 times in the past three years – mostly as a defensive midfielder. Last season, Robinson notched two assists in 21 games, 20 of which were starts. Prior to coming to MLS, Robinson played for a number of English Championship clubs. In 2002, Robinson joined Portsmouth, playing 15 games, before being loaned out to Sheffield Wednesday and Walsall.
From 2003-06, Robinson suited up for Portsmouth and was loaned out to Sunderland, where he played in 52 games and scored six goals. Robinson joined Toronto FC after playing for Norwich in 2006. The 5-10, 165-pound midfielder started his career at Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1995 and ended up featuring in 163 games over seven years.
Robinson earned 52 caps for Wales after making his senior international debut in 1999. Last year, Robinson announced his retirement from international soccer.
After Red Bull Arena’s Grand Opening against legendary Brazilian club, Santos FC, on March 20 at 6:00 PM (TV: MSG), the Red Bulls kick off their 2010 MLS Regular Season at Red Bull Arena on March 27, when they host the Chicago Fire at 7:00 PM ET (TV: ESPN, ESPN Deportes). Full Season Ticket Plans for the New York Red Bulls’ first season at Red Bull Arena, in Harrison, NJ, are on sale now. Midfield seats in the 100-Level and sideline sections 107, 112, 124 and 128 are all sold out, but good seats are still available. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 1.877.RBSOCCER or log onto www.newyorkredbulls.com.
