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Fresh off U.S. camp, Red Bulls 'keeper Robles dreaming of MLS Cup glory

Reuters

Forget the individual accolades. New York Red Bulls goalkeeper Luis Robles is focused on one thing and one thing alone in 2016: the MLS Cup.

Once again, the Red Bulls topped the league in overall points in 2015, but failed to earn a spot in the MLS Cup final. For Robles, 2016 presents an opportunity to finally capture the elusive title his team has been chasing since losing the final in 2008.

"I feel like we got really close again last year," Robles said, as reported by Empire of Soccer. "We came really close again to getting to the final. I think the lasting memory was how close we came the last two years, and if we can find a way to get over the hump and get into the final and win the final, that’s something that I think about each and every day.

"My focus is trying to help this organization get over that hump and win a championship."

Having hoisted the MLS Supporters' Shield last season, Robles started 2016 off with a bit of a surprise, receiving a call-up to Jurgen Klinsmann's U.S. men's national team camp for a friendly against Iceland. And, while he's admittedly hesitant to get his hopes up for future calls, Robles did enjoy the experience, his first on the international stage since 2009.

"It's a great chance to evaluate yourself," Robles said. "Ultimately, that’s the verdict; you want to go in, you want to impress, you want to do your best, but the idea is to stay involved and stay in the picture. That remains to be seen."

"I think he deserved to be there," Red Bulls head coach Jesse Marsch said. "I got feedback that he was looking really sharp. Obviously getting a cap was a great experience for him. It shows that his quality is such that he should be considered. I’m sure he’ll have future opportunities."

The U.S. camp also gave Robles a chance to bond with some of the players opposite the sticks, those cracking shots in his direction and forcing him into making the saves that won him the 2015 Goalkeeper of the Year nod.

"My roommate (at U.S. camp) was (New England Revolution midfielder) Lee Nguyen, so I ended up spending a lot of time with him," Robles revealed. "We ended up taking a couple of pictures with Instagram, because when we're on the field I can't stand that guy, but when he's my roommate, he's a pretty good character.”

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