One of the biggest strengths of the Syracuse Orange Men’s Soccer program is its long history of successful alumni at the highest levels of the sport. From La Liga to MLS, Syracuse alumni are everywhere, making a difference in every game. Of course, the leagues where these players excel the most is in the MLS and the USL Championship, as these are the highest and second-highest levels of American soccer. As the season has begun for these teams, we have already seen the ways in which former Syracuse talent
has influenced their team’s success.
For example, one of the most famous Syracuse alumni in the MLS is Miles Robinson, a defender who now plays for FC Cincinnati. Robinson has continued to be an extremely important part of Cincinnati’s defense this year, as he has started every game. Unfortunately, the season has not started well for them, as they currently sit outside a playoff spot in 10th place in the MLS Eastern Conference on 7 points and 16 GA and lost in the second round of the MLS Champions Cup to Mexican giants Tigres. Further, a groin injury kept him out of the USMNT friendlies this past month. While he should still be in the USMNT roster for the World Cup, starting to turn around this season for Cincinnati could be just the boost he needs to become the key player we know he can be.
Sticking with defenders, Kamal Miller is another Orange alum who has been playing this season in the MLS. Unfortunately, his season has not gone too great so far. The Timbers are in a similar position to FC Cincinnati, as they sit 11th in their conference on 7 points with 16 GA. Miller has been less consistent, however, as he started the season on the bench for Portland, before a starting spot opened up over their matches against Vancouver, Houston, and the LA Galaxy. Unfortunately, in the match against the Galaxy he got a red card early, sidelining him for the rest of the match. He is still in the mix to play for Team Canada at the World Cup, although he will need to show why he deserves to be in that team over the next few matches.
Not all Syracuse alumni are struggling, however, as Deandre Kerr has found success in an increased role this season for Toronto FC. The forward has played in four matches for the club this season, playing the first two as a substitute before starting their matches against RBNY and Columbus. He was a late scratch in their match against FC Cincinnati. This injury does not seem serious, and he should be back quite soon. While it is unlikely Kerr will be at the World Cup, if he keeps this form up with Toronto, he could be a solid piece of their attack for a long time.
Former Syracuse goalkeeper Alex Bono is unfortunately not playing too much these days, but he did find one start in DC United’s US Open Cup match against One Knoxville FC. This would go awry, however, as United were upset by the USL League One champions. Bono did have an assist in the match, assisting on the extra-time goal that would give DC United a 3-2 lead; they would eventually lose on penalties. It seems unlikely that Bono will get much more playing time this year, now that they are out of their cup competitions, he will still play a role in the locker room for a DC United team that is looking to turn a rough season around.
While the MLS is the highest level, there are still Syracuse alumni playing great soccer in the second division, the USL Championship. The most successful of these is star of the 2022 team, Levonte Johnson, who has played five matches for Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, starting in three, and scoring once. He also started in the Switchbacks 3-0 thrashing of Sporting KC, an MLS side. Former Syracuse player Luther Archemede is also playing in the USL for New Mexico United, where he has started three games for the club with no goals or assists so far. Finally, Jeorgio Kocevski is in the USL Championship for FC Tulsa, where he’s started the clubs last five matches.
As we move forward towards the World Cup, we will likely see many former Orange there, from both the MLS and beyond.
