There might not be a more maligned captaincy in all of Major League Soccer than that of the New York Red Bulls.
That’s because the last two players who wore the armband — Dax McCarty and Sacha Kljestan — were shipped away the subsequent offseason.
But social media shade aside, the Red Bulls needed a captain for the 2018 season and for coach Jesse Marsch, Luis Robles was a natural fit.
“His ability to communicate with his teammates, his ability to stand in front of them and show confidence and belief in himself and the group is extremely high,” Marsch said. “When you talk about a guy who is going to represent the club, a guy who is going to represent the team, Luis is an incredible captain to have for this club.”
Robles, who was officially named captain on the eve of the Red Bulls’ CONCACAF Champions League opener against CD Olimpia of Honduras, is the second goalkeeper to wear the armband for the club after Tony Meola did so in 1997-98.
Robles has started and played 90 minutes for an MLS-record 174 straight regular season matches. Since joining the team midway through the 2012 season, Robles has 49 shutouts, tied with Bill Hamid for 12th all-time in MLS history.
“For the last five and a half years, I have been given a great privilege to represent this organization and its supporters on the field,” Robles said in a statement. “With this new duty, as captain, I understand that I have been entrusted with an even greater responsibility to be at my best, to empower my teammates to be the best they can be, while leading the way to our shared goals of an MLS Cup an success at the highest levels.”
Marsch said the decision, made by the staff, was really between Robles and Bradley Wright-Phillips, who will serve as an assistant captain.
“I’ve spoken to both of them and in many ways Luis is going to be such a great captain,” Marsch said. “But I think Brad as his assistant captain will truly be a great foundation to build a leadership group off of.”