Bulls Abroad: Robles Reappears for USMNT, Defeats Iceland

The United States national team fielded a team mixed with veterans, blasts from the past and newcomers to defeat Iceland 3-2 behind goals scored by Jozy Altidore, Michael Orozco and Steve Birnbaum.  The US had a bit of swagger to them as their more youthful players who were looking for playing time at the senior and U-23 levels did a great job at running the wings and distributing centrally for goal scoring opportunities.

New York Red Bulls goalkeeper Luis Robles started and played all 90 minutes.  His only other cap came in a 2009 Gold Cup group stage match, with 2-2 draw against Haiti.  This time around, he got his first win in a US kit.  Robles recorded one save from Iceland's three shots on goal. The 2015 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year and 2014 MLS Save of the Year recipient was unfortunately left out to dry on both balls that made it by him.  The first was a deflection off of Orozco in the 13th minute in which Robles already committed to his right, and the ball went the opposite direction.  On the second goal, Iceland used a quick restart in the 48th minute to catch the US defense napping.  Aron Sigurdarson was able to beat both Ethan Finlay and then cut inside on Birnbaum to send a curling shot around Robles into the far side netting.

Thankfully, both Orozco and Birnbaum would redeem themselves, each scoring on second half headers to help the USMNT tie, then take the lead.  The US outshot Iceland 16-6, including 4-3 on goal, so besides the two goals and one save, Robles was hardly tested.  In the 36th minute, he needed to dive after a curling shot from the corner of the box that ended up sailing over the bar.  Michael Bradley recorded two assists in the game.

Iceland, who ranks two positions behind the US in the FIFA rankings, are largely in their preseason as well.  The nation of 332,000 are the smallest to ever qualify for the Euro tournament.  They were unable to hold both leads they created in each half.

A week ago, I expected to write about Matt Miazga as well, but he is no longer in US camp... or a Red Bull.

Could've sworn @MattMiazga3 was here when we left yesterday... #JanuaryCamp pic.twitter.com/MiJVYS1cEW

— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) January 27, 2016

But that's a different story...

The US will close their January Camp campaign on Friday night when they face-off with Karl Ouimette and Canada in Carson, CA at 10:45pm ET.  The game will be televised on Fox Sports 1.  This will be Canada's only game in Jan/Feb as they gear up for Mexico in March.