All Luis Robles wanted was to be a professional soccer player. While his parents wanted him to just get the best education possible knowing soccer could help him accomplish that, Robles knew deep down that his main goal was to be a soccer player. When he visited the University of Portland and watched them take down the University of Indiana 1-0 back in 2001, he was already intrigued. But it wasn't just that win. It was the line that the legendary Clive Charles dropped soon after in a one-on-one meeting.

"He said 'Bill (Irwin) tells me a lot of schools are after you," Robles said. "'Well, he also showed me the list of schools that you prioritized as your top schools, and I'll tell you what; if you want to be a rocket scientist, go to Stanford. If you want to be a banker, go to Harvard. But if you want to be a professional soccer player, come to the University of Portland.'"

"It was done, it was over," Robles said. "It was finished."

Robles committed in early October of that year and went on to be one of the best soccer players to ever step onto Merlo Field. He was named first-team All-WCC his junior and senior year and was the West Coast Conference Defender of the Year in 2006. He still holds the record for most career saves by any UP goalkeeper with 346 in total. And after it all, he became the professional he always wanted to be.

Flash forward to 2021, and now Robles is a retired goalkeeper and a proud University of Portland Alum. On the third episode of the Portland Pilots Alumni Podcast, Robles joined Brant Minor to reflect on his time at UP, his connection with former goalkeeper coach Bill Irwin, his professional career and more.

Robles didn't just have a successful career on the pitch in Portland. He went on to have a 15-year professional career, most notably becoming one of the steadiest goalkeepers in Major League Soccer. He helped the New York Red Bulls win the MLS Supporters' Shield three times and was named the MLS Goalkeeper of the year in 2015. Robles also holds the MLS record for the most consecutive regular-season starts with 183 in a row from Sept. 2012 to May 2018.

Listen to Robles and Brant Minor on the third episode of the Portland Pilots Alumni Podcast. Check out the YouTube Playlist to find other interviews, including the first two episodes featuring Pooh Jeter and Rachael Rapinoe. If you are a former Pilot student-athlete, feel free to take our Student-Athlete Alumni Questionnaire so we can stay connected.

Timestamps

• 1:35-2:00: How the MLS schedule gives him the opportunity to catch up in Portland
• 2:04-2:34: Robles's favorite memory, showing his kids The Bluff
• 3:20-5:10: Why he decided to attend UP
• 5:10-5:55: The best recruiting line from Clive Charles and Bill Irwin
• 6:10-7:47: The difference that UP had over other schools
• 8:40-9:47: What stood out about the great Clive Charles
• 9:50-10:30: His relationship with Bill Irwin and the proudest moment of his Portland life
• 11:15-13:10: How soccer was his major and how he wants to give back to Portland
• 13:50-15:35: Luis Robles on consistency
• 15:40-16:55: How he reflects on his MLS career and helping young players
• 17:50-19:18: How the injuries affected him and his respect for guys who show up to practice no matter what
• 19:48-20:20: His collection of trophies
• 21-21:50: His work ethic and how that helped him believe in himself
• 24:05-25:21: The best thing he learned from Irwin at UP
• 25:25-27:15: Expanding more on the "Leave the place better than you found it"
• 27:43-27:55: The little things make up the big things
• 29:55-31:15: Meeting his wife and how she recognized his shift in mindset
• 33:10-34:57: Advice he gives to UP soccer players