Houston Dynamo center back Eddie Robinson retires from Major League Soccer

Houston Dynamo center back Eddie Robinson announced his retirement on Wednesday to accept a front office position with the Dynamo. The four-time MLS Cup winner will work with the Dynamo Academy, serve as a color commentator for various TV and radio broadcasts, and work with Dynamo Charities as an ambassador to the Houston community. Beginning in the fall, Robinson will also take over as head coach of the Dynamo U-16 squad.

“I am extremely pleased to have Eddie join us in the front office after an illustrious playing career.” Dynamo president Chris Canetti said. “He was an integral part of our team’s success and he will bring a lot of value to what we are trying to do as a club moving forward.”

An 11-year veteran of Major League Soccer, Robinson played five seasons with the San Jose Earthquakes before moving with the club to Houston in 2006. Robinson quickly established himself as a fan favorite among the Dynamo faithful. The 33-year-old center back won two MLS Cup championships with the Earthquakes (2001 and 2003) and two with the Dynamo (2006 and 2007).

“I am excited,” Robinson said of the transition to the front office. “This move brings a whole new set of challenges for me. I care a lot about this organization and I want to see it succeed. I am now in a position to help the organization grow from a different standpoint.”

In six seasons in Houston, Robinson played 96 regular season matches in addition to nine playoff contests. Last season, Robinson started two games for the first team. The bulk of his contributions, however, came while playing for the Dynamo Reserves, where he started nine matches and captained the squad to a second place finish in their division.

A native of Greensboro, N.C., Robinson played four seasons at the University of North Carolina before the Earthquakes selected him with the 20th overall pick in the 2001 MLS SuperDraft. Robinson was named to the MLS All-Star team in 2006 and the MLS Best XI squad in 2007.

The Dynamo will host an open party in the near future for fans to interact with Robinson and wish him well in his new role. Details will be announced in the coming days.

The Dynamo will begin 2012 preseason on January 23. 2012 season tickets and partial ticket packages are available and can be purchased at HoustonDynamo.com or by calling (713) 276-GOAL.

Eddie Robinson career regular season statistics