St. Louis CITY SC made a grand entrance into Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2023. With a rich soccer history in St. Louis, this new team is set to make its mark.
Let’s dive into some interesting tidbits about the club:
- Soccer City Revival: St. Louis boasts a deep-rooted soccer tradition, and CITY SC reignites the city’s passion for the beautiful game at the highest level.
- Fresh Start: Founded in 2019, St. Louis CITY SC is one of the newest expansion teams in MLS, joining the league in 2023.
- Home Sweet CITYPARK: The team plays its home matches at the brand-new CITYPARK, a state-of-the-art soccer-specific stadium in downtown St. Louis.
- Pink and Red: CITY SC’s primary colors are “City Red” and “River Blue,” paying homage to the city’s iconic confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers.
- Centene Stadium: The team’s stadium was originally named Centene Stadium, reflecting a major sponsorship deal.
- Record-Breaking Start: CITY SC made history with their first few MLS wins, achieving the most successful start for an expansion team.
- Ambitious Ownership: The team is led by Carolyn Kindle Betz and other members of the Taylor family, prominent figures in the St. Louis business world.
- Bradley Carnell Connection: Head coach Bradley Carnell, a former South African international player, brings valuable global experience to the club.
- International Flavor: CITY SC boasts a diverse roster of players from around the world, adding an international dimension to the team.
- “Louligans” Pride: The team’s emerging fanbase is already showing a passionate spirit, with supporter groups like the “Louligans” starting to form.
- Gateway to Growth: The club has a strong focus on youth development through its academy system, aiming to nurture the next generation of St. Louis soccer stars.
- Community Focus: St. Louis CITY SC works actively on community outreach initiatives, aiming to make a positive impact across the city.
- Regional Rivalries: With nearby teams like Sporting Kansas City and the Chicago Fire, natural rivalries are likely to develop over time.
- Concacaf Aspirations: In 2024, CITY SC will compete in the CONCACAF Champions League, their first taste of international competition.
- Championship Ambitions: While a new team, St. Louis CITY SC has its sights set on building a competitive squad and, ultimately, lifting the MLS Cup trophy.
Conclusion St. Louis CITY SC brings fresh energy and excitement to Major League Soccer. With their passionate supporters, commitment to the community, and a beautiful new stadium, they are poised to become a beloved part of the St. Louis sports landscape and shape the future of soccer in the Midwest.