C. Glover — St. Louis City’s #46: The 6’2″ Goal-Magnet Who Leaves Defenders Asking for Directions
Caden Glover’s name pops up more and more these days, and honestly, it makes sense. He’s just 18, a St. Louis native already making appearances for St. Louis City SC as forward #46. When you watch him, there’s a poise and movement that’s hard to miss in Major League Soccer.
Caden Glover became the first homegrown player to sign with St. Louis City SC, so he’s right at the center of the club’s long-term plans.
He didn’t just show up out of nowhere. Glover moved up through the St. Louis City Academy, picked up call-ups with U.S. youth national teams, and signed his first pro contract in 2023. His path really highlights how the American soccer system is growing, putting a spotlight on development and opportunity.
If you follow his journey, every step seems to matter—from those early academy games to his professional debut. His contract runs through 2027, so Glover stands for both the present and the future of St. Louis City SC.
That path, plus his international experience, makes him one of the most interesting young forwards in the U.S. right now. For some context, he attended Columbia High School in Illinois before going all-in on his pro career.
Contents
Player Overview
You’ve got a young forward who already made history for his club, breaking into Major League Soccer with a profile that grabs your attention. His path proves that a player can rise from a local academy to the pro stage, balancing promise with real responsibility.
Personal Background
Caden Glover was born on March 8, 2007, in Columbia, Illinois. Even before he played his first MLS minutes, he became the club’s first homegrown signing at just 18—a big deal that put him in the spotlight early.
His roots run deep in the St. Louis CITY Academy. He played for the U-16 and U-17 squads, and his efforts earned him call-ups to United States Youth National Team camps—U-15, U-17, U-19, and now the U-20s.
He made his pro debut with CITY2 in MLS NEXT Pro, then earned that first-team contract. Glover skipped the usual college soccer route, signing straight from the academy, which says plenty about his talent and the club’s faith in him.
Position and Playing Style
Glover lines up as a forward, usually as a center striker. His style? It’s all about movement in the box, finishing, and pressing defenders high.
He doesn’t really go for flashy dribbling. Instead, he relies on anticipation and finding the right spots.
At the youth international level, he scored in a U-15 game against Belgium, coming off the bench to make a difference. With St. Louis City SC, he keeps working on his presence as a target up top, getting better at hold-up play and stretching defenses.
Here’s a quick look at his early career numbers:
| Competition | Matches | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLS NEXT Pro (CITY2) | 1 | 0 | 0 | 22 |
| U.S. Youth National Team | 4 | 1 | 0 | N/A |
| MLS Regular Season | Limited | 0 | 0 | Ongoing |
The stats are pretty modest so far, but that just shows how early it is in his career—and how much room he has to grow.
Jersey Number Significance
Glover wears #46 for St. Louis City SC. In soccer, jersey numbers sometimes mean a lot to players, but they can also just show where someone stands in the squad.
Lower numbers usually go to the regular starters, while higher numbers—like 46—often belong to younger guys just breaking in.
For now, the number marks a developmental stage. It’s a sign that Glover’s still earning his role, getting minutes, and building trust with the staff.
If he keeps progressing, you might see him grab a lower number. But for now, #46 is a reminder of his youth and the open road ahead in Major League Soccer.
St. Louis City SC Career
Caden Glover’s journey with St. Louis City SC feels both historic and honestly pretty instructive. His signing, debut, and steady climb through the academy into first-team action show how MLS clubs now invest in local talent and actually give young players real chances.
First Homegrown Player Signing
When St. Louis City SC signed Caden Glover in 2022, it made history. He became the club’s first-ever Homegrown Player, which was a big step for both the team and the league.
At just 15, he signed a five-year deal running through the end of the 2027 MLS season.
Glover came up through the City SC Academy, playing for the U-16 and U-17 sides. His performances led to call-ups with the U.S. Youth National Team, raising his profile even before he turned pro.
By signing him as the first Homegrown player, City SC set a precedent for how they plan to build their roster. The move really highlights the club’s commitment to local development, which now feels central to their long-term plans.
Debut and Early Impact
Glover debuted professionally with City2, the club’s MLS NEXT Pro team, against North Texas SC. He came off the bench for 22 minutes—a small start, but a big step for a teenager juggling academy and first-team duties.
His early minutes showed off his speed and his willingness to press defenders. He didn’t score that day, but he got involved in the buildup and adapted to the pro game’s pace.
At the MLS level, Glover’s role started with sub appearances. The staff managed his minutes carefully, giving him a taste without overwhelming him. For someone who just turned 16, every touch was another step toward showing he belonged.
Key Contributions and Milestones
Glover’s development shows up in steady contributions at academy tournaments and with the national team. At the 2022 MLS NEXT Fest, he scored and assisted in three matches, helping his team advance in the Generation Adidas Cup qualifiers.
He later got picked for the 2023 MLS NEXT All-Star Game, a nod to his progress among his peers. His call-ups to the U.S. U-15, U-17, U-19, and now the U-20 camps show his upward trajectory.
Here’s a quick look at some of his early milestones:
| Year | Age | Team/Level | Notable Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 15 | City SC Academy U-17 | Goal and assist at MLS NEXT Fest |
| 2022 | 15 | City2 (MLS NEXT Pro) | First professional appearance |
| 2023 | 16 | MLS NEXT | Selected for All-Star Game |
| 2025 | 18 | City SC First Team | U.S. U-20 camp call-up |
These steps, while small, give a clear sense of how City SC brings academy talent into its MLS roster. Glover’s story matches a system built for development and long-term impact.
MLS and Professional Achievements
Caden Glover became the first homegrown signing for St. Louis City SC, joining Major League Soccer at just 15. His rise shows both early promise at the academy level and an ability to adapt quickly to the pro game.
MLS Debut and Records
Glover made history when he signed with St. Louis City SC in January 2023. At 15, he became the club’s first homegrown player and the first MLS player born in 2007.
That set a record for both the team and the league.
He debuted with CITY2, the club’s MLS NEXT Pro squad, where he earned his first pro minutes against North Texas SC. Coming in as a sub, he logged 22 minutes—a big step for someone still getting used to the pro pace.
By joining the senior roster, Glover landed a contract through 2027, giving him some stability for his development years. For a forward, that early exposure to top competition is huge, and the club clearly sees him as a long-term piece of the attack.
Key Milestones
- First St. Louis City SC homegrown signing
- First MLS player born in 2007
- Professional debut with CITY2 in 2022
Notable Performances
When you look at his early performances, you see a player who consistently delivered at youth and academy levels. At the 2022 MLS NEXT Fest, he scored once and added an assist in three matches, helping the U-17s advance through penalty shootouts.
He also made an impact internationally. Coming off the bench for the U.S. Under-15 team, Glover scored the game-winner against Belgium in April 2022. That moment really highlighted his knack for showing up in big situations.
His CITY2 minutes let him test himself against older, more experienced defenders. Goals at the senior level haven’t come yet, but the experience matters, showing how his game stacks up against pro competition.
Selected Stats
| Year | Team | Matches | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | CITY Academy U-17 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| 2022 | CITY2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023–25 | St. Louis City SC | Limited | Developing | Developing |
Recognition and Awards
People notice Glover not just for what he does on the field, but for the milestones he’s hit so young. Signing as St. Louis City SC’s first homegrown player made him a symbolic figure for the club.
That recognition means something in a city with real soccer roots.
His call-ups to the U.S. Youth National Team show that national coaches see him as part of the future. Earning multiple appearances at the U-15 level, including three starts during an April camp, puts him firmly in the mix.
He hasn’t picked up major MLS awards yet, but his profile keeps growing. Scouts and analysts watch his progress, seeing potential in one of the youngest forwards around.
Recognition Highlights
- First homegrown signing for St. Louis City SC
- U.S. U-15 Youth National Team call-ups
- Early role in shaping an MLS expansion club’s identity
Development Pathway
Caden Glover’s rise comes from a steady climb through the St. Louis CITY system, starting with his early academy years and moving into pro minutes with CITY2. His development shows how the club brings homegrown players up to higher levels, giving them chances through MLS NEXT and the team’s official app.
Youth Career and Academy Experience
You first spot Glover’s journey in Columbia, Illinois, where he joined the St. Louis CITY Academy. He moved up quickly through the U-16 and U-17 squads, building a name as a reliable forward.
He earned his first call-up with the United States Youth National Team in 2022 and scored against Belgium’s U-15 side.
The academy offered him steady competition in MLS NEXT events. At the 2022 MLS NEXT Fest, he notched a goal and an assist in three matches.
His efforts helped the U-17s win two penalty shootouts in Generation Adidas Cup qualifiers.
At just 15, Glover signed as St. Louis CITY SC’s first-ever homegrown player. That moment marked a big milestone for both him and the club.
Early exposure to international youth camps and MLS NEXT tournaments set up his professional path.
Progression Through CITY2
CITY2 really bridged the gap between academy soccer and the MLS stage for Glover. He made his first pro appearance in 2022 against North Texas SC, coming off the bench for 22 minutes.
That debut showed the club’s willingness to give him real minutes at the MLS NEXT Pro level.
In 2023, he scored seven goals in 19 matches for CITY2. He proved he could turn academy promise into professional production.
Head coach Bradley Carnell pointed out his progress, saying Glover was earning more trust in the first team.
CITY2 Stats (2023)
| Matches | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19 | 7 | 2 | 1,050+ |
For fans, this stage really shows how CITY2 acts as a proving ground before players step up to bigger MLS responsibilities.
MLS NEXT and App Integration
MLS NEXT competitions keep shaping Glover’s development. His performances at showcase events, like the 2023 MLS NEXT All-Star Game, made it clear he stands out among top peers.
These tournaments give him exposure to national scouts and help him maintain match rhythm.
The club uses its official app to highlight Glover’s progress. You can catch match reports, training updates, and roster news to follow his journey from academy standout to first-team contributor.
This integration lets fans track his growth as it happens.
As a homegrown forward wearing No. 46, his path through MLS NEXT, CITY2, and the first team shows how a structured system can turn a local kid into a professional option for St. Louis CITY SC.
International Experience
Caden Glover built his reputation with St. Louis City SC, but his steady involvement with United States youth national teams also shaped him. Early call-ups and tournament appearances gave him valuable experience against international opponents.
United States Youth National Team Call-Ups
You first saw Glover’s name on the national stage in April 2022, when he joined the U.S. Under-15 camp. He started three of four friendlies and scored his first international goal against Belgium—a match-winner that showed his knack for making an impact off the bench.
He kept moving forward with selections to the U-17, U-19, and U-20 squads. Each call-up signaled that coaches trusted his work rate and finishing.
These chances put him alongside some of the country’s top prospects, giving him a real sense of the competition he’d face at higher levels.
Notable Call-Ups
- U-15 April 2022 Camp (Belgium goal)
- U-17 National Team Camp
- U-19 National Team Camp
- U-20 National Team Camp
This steady climb through the youth system shows how fast you can rise when you combine club performance with national team consistency.
International Competitions Participation
You can really measure international growth by how players handle tournaments. For Glover, the 2022 MLS NEXT Fest was his first taste of matches against international-style opposition.
He scored once and picked up an assist for the U-17s, helping his team advance through penalty shootouts in the Generation Adidas Cup qualifiers.
He also played in friendlies against European teams, including Belgium, where he scored the winner. These matches, even if not official tournaments, tested him in different tactical settings and prepped him for future U.S. youth competitions.
Performance Snapshot
| Year | Level | Matches | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | U-15 USYNT | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| 2022 | MLS NEXT Fest (U-17) | 3 | 1 | 1 |
These experiences give you a better sense of how Glover adapts outside his club, showing both productivity and composure against all kinds of competition.
Future Prospects and Impact
Caden Glover’s development shows both technical growth and his knack for handling tougher competition. His path hints at a key role for St. Louis City SC and maybe even a bigger place in the MLS scene.
Potential for St. Louis City SC
You see a forward who already owns the title of the club’s first-ever Homegrown signing. That’s not nothing—it shows the club really wants to build from within.
At 18, Glover has already logged valuable minutes in MLS and with CITY2, showing he can handle the physical demands of the pro game.
His time with the U-16 and U-17 academy teams, plus MLS NEXT events, gave him a solid base. When he debuted with CITY2, he showed poise, even in short stints.
That early exposure helps you see him as a depth option now, with a shot at becoming a starter soon.
The coaching staff values his work rate and movement off the ball. He presses defenders and creates space for teammates, which fits the team’s style.
If he keeps building confidence in front of goal, St. Louis City SC gets more than just a prospect—they get a real attacking piece.
Key Stats (Club & Academy)
| Level | Matches | Goals | Assists | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U-17 Academy | 3 | 1 | 1 | MLS NEXT Fest 2022 |
| CITY2 (pro debut) | 1 | 0 | 0 | First professional cap |
| U.S. U-15 National Team | 4 | 1 | 0 | Scored game-winner vs Belgium |
Long-Term MLS Outlook
You really can’t judge long-term impact just by early debuts. It comes down to how a player adapts, season after season.
Glover already stands out as the first MLS player born in 2007. That alone puts him in rare company. It feels like he’s in a spot where, if he keeps progressing, he could stick around for quite a while.
His recent call-up to the U.S. U-20 Men’s Youth National Team adds another interesting twist. When he faces international competition, he sharpens his tactical sense and gets tougher physically. Both are pretty crucial for any MLS forward.
Other Homegrown forwards have shot up fast in this league, and honestly, Glover seems to fit that trend. Sure, he’ll have to fight for minutes, but his ability to press and play in different systems makes him a handy piece for any coach. If he can start finishing chances more consistently, he might just move from squad player to a go-to guy up front.
St. Louis City SC is putting real trust in him, which says a lot about their vision. They’re building something by backing a local kid from Columbia, Illinois. For fans, that’s a big deal—you get to root for someone who actually represents both the club’s goals and the bigger promise of young MLS talent.
