Cascades FC made one major statement of intent earlier this year by hiring head coach Darren Sawatzky, the all-time wins leader in USL League One, and today makes another by announcing the signing of attacking left back Jonathan Robinson, a 2024 draft pick of two-time Major League Soccer champions Sporting Kansas City who has won titles at both the professional and collegiate levels. The signing is pending league and federation approval.
Robinson, a Gurnee, Ill. native, is the first player signing in Cascades FC history, and is a pacy defender who enjoys creating chances while going forward. He scored six goals and registered five assists in 50 appearances with Sporting Kansas City II and Auckland FC, after scoring four goals and notching an additional 18 assists while starring for Western Michigan University and Marquette University.
“The community in Eugene and Springfield is so important in the approach to our roster build,” said Sawatzky. “The people here are genuine and authentic, so we know that we must reward that with players who are also cut from that cloth. JR was an amazing student-athlete, is a unique character, and his personality will resonate on the field and in the community.
“We want quality players who can play both sides of the ball and bring their personality to the game. JR impacts the game in stopping opposition talent, and he has the ability to stretch teams and create goal scoring opportunities. His ability to get behind teams, coupled with his silky left foot, will help us create chances from the left side.”
The fullback signed with Auckland FC ahead of the 2025-26 season and scored five goals with three assists in 32 starts across all competitions, primarily in the inaugural Oceania Football Conference Professional League with Auckland’s OFC Pro League team. One of those starts was the OFC Professional League final on May 24, which Auckland FC won 2-1 against South Melbourne FC to qualify for the 2026 FIFA Continental Cup.
Robinson spent the 2024 season in the Sporting Kansas City organization after being selected 80th overall in the 2024 MLS Super Draft. He made his debut for the club in a 5-0 preseason win against Miami FC, and earned an assist in a 3-1 win against Atlanta United FC. He spent the remainder of his rookie season in MLS Next Pro with Sporting Kansas City II, where he scored against Vancouver Whitecaps 2 and added assists against St. Louis City SC 2 and LAFC 2.
Before being drafted by Sporting Kansas City, Robinson enjoyed a standout collegiate career with Western Michigan University and Marquette University. In 2023, he tied Western Michigan University’s single-season record and finished second in the NCAA with 13 assists, earned All-America Second Team and Academic All-District honors, and made ESPN’s Top 10 Plays after scoring a last-second game-winning goal against Wisconsin.
A natural leader on the pitch, Robinson also captained WMU to the 2023 Missouri Valley Conference regular season and tournament titles, earning First Team All-MVC and First Team All-West Region honors in the process. In the NCAA Tournament, Robinson led the Broncos to the third round, where they lost to eventual national runners-up Notre Dame in a penalty shootout.
“To be the first player signed in team history, I feel super blessed,” said Robinson. “Thank you to Darren and Capp (assistant coach Conner Cappelletti) and the staff, and I can’t wait to help this team put its stamp on the league.
“Fans can expect to see a lot of heart and effort from me. Having a coach with a similar philosophy is exciting, and signing here is such a proud moment for me and my family. I’m buzzing to get started. I love winning, and I’m coming here to win.”