Antonee Robinson explains USMNT goal celebration after taking ‘stick off my fiancee’ for not acknowledging pregnancy

The Fulham full-back played a prominent role in firing the United States into the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Nations League. He was among the goals in a 3-0 quarter-final first leg win over Trinidad & Tobago, before surging forward again to net in the return date on Monday.

The U.S. squeezed into the last four, with Sergino Dest’s petulant red card not proving costly as Gregg Berhalter’s side progressed despite suffering a 2-1 defeat in Port-of-Spain. Robinson’s opening goal in that contest, which arrived in the 25th minute, helped to settle any nerves – with the 26-year-old defender celebrating in style.

Quizzed on why he swapped an acrobatic routine for a nod towards a baby that is due in the spring of 2024, Robinson – who has been in trouble with his partner – told reporters: “I'm really, really happy to score again. I don't often get the chance to score. I like to think I'm playing a little bit more of an attacking role with the national team so that translates to goals and that's been amazing. Then get the chance to celebrate, I got a little bit of stick off my fiancée last game for not mentioning the pregnancy! We're expecting another baby on the way during April and we're just really excited and I was glad that I got to dedicate a goal to them.”

The USMNT are now heading back to the Nations League finals – as they look to defend their continental crown – with it yet to be determined who they will be facing at the business end of that competition. The battle for major honours in Northern and Central America will come to a close in March 2024 when AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas plays host to the semis and final.