Luis Robles is poised to set yet another MLS iron man record. (Brett Davis/USA Today Sports)
By Michael Lewis
Front Row Soccer Editor
Another game, another record for Luis Robles.
When referee whistles twice to signal the Red Bulls’ home opener against the Colorado Rapids is to commence and the ball is kicked, the New York goalkeeper will set a Major League Soccer record for most consecutive games played at 142.
He will move past Chris Klein’s mark of 141 successive appearances. Robles also will extend another streak that he already holds — consecutive games by a goalkeeper.
“Let’s not jinx him just yet,” captain Sacha Kljestan said after training in Hanover, N.J. Thursday. “Hopefully, he gets through tomorrow unscathed.
“Yeah, it’s pretty awesome. As I look back, it’s amazing that Chris Klein had the record as a field player. That’s quite an accomplishment. Klein was the real iron man, was a great player and had a great career. Obviously, Luis, to come in and play that many games in a row is a pretty feat. Not that surprising as you get to know him and you see how much work he puts in on a day to day basis. I’m really proud of him. It’s pretty exciting. I’m happy for him that he’ll go into the history books for some time.”
So was Red Bulls head coach Jesse Marsch, who has directed Robles for the past two-plus MLS seasons.
“He just has an inner strength and steadiness that I think is great to have in a goalkeeper as a quality,” he told NewYorkRedBulls.com. “And I think it’s meant that that, along with the preparation and physical work he puts in the gym and physically how he manages himself has meant that he’s given himself an opportunity to be successful day after day.”
