“St. Louis City’s Michael wentzel#13: The Defender Who Makes Forwards Question Their Life Choices”
When you watch St. Louis City SC line up, one number jumps out in the back line: #13. Michael Wentzel, a 23-year-old defender from State College, Pennsylvania, has carved out his spot with the first team after making his mark with CITY2.
You get a central defender who’s got steady positioning and a knack for reading the game. That makes him a reliable piece of the club’s defensive puzzle.
You probably already know Wentzel played college soccer at the University of Louisville before going pro. He also spent some time in Germany with Rot-Weiß Oberhausen, which really sharpened his instincts and toughened him up for Major League Soccer.
His journey’s been all about building step by step. You can see that in how he’s grown.
As you watch his role with St. Louis City SC, you notice how Wentzel’s presence balances the team. The club promoted him from CITY2 to a first-team contract through 2024, with options for 2025 and 2026. That says a lot about their faith in his progress.
The way he’s gotten here—and how he keeps growing into his role—makes his story one to watch.
Contents
Player Profile and Background
Here’s a defender who’s developed through both American and European systems. He’s blended technical training with a lot of physical discipline.
His path shows steady growth, from youth soccer in the U.S. to pro minutes in Germany and now MLS.
Personal Information
Michael Wentzel was born on April 10, 2002, in State College, Pennsylvania. He wears the number 13 jersey for St. Louis City SC and lines up as a central defender.
You can trace his career back to Germany with Rot-Weiß Oberhausen before he returned to the States. In 2022, he signed with St. Louis CITY2, the club’s developmental team, and then worked his way up to the senior squad.
He also attended the University of Louisville, where he played NCAA soccer before turning pro. That college experience gave him a solid foundation in structured play and leadership.
His rise has been steady. He got short-term loan call-ups to the St. Louis City SC first team before finally locking down a more permanent role.
At just 23, he’s still building his name in MLS.
Physical Attributes
Wentzel plays as a center back, and his game leans on positioning, aerial ability, and composure under pressure. He stands at 6’1” (185 cm), which gives him a real advantage in defensive duels and set-piece situations.
You notice his physical style, but he also keeps things tidy with his passing from the back. His frame lets him match up with bigger forwards, and his agility helps him cover ground when things get stretched.
Here’s a quick look at his basic profile:
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Height | 6’1” (185 cm) |
| Weight | 174 lbs (79 kg) |
| Position | Center Back |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Jersey Number | 13 |
Those traits make him a reliable option for St. Louis, especially in a league where physical matchups can decide games.
Dual Nationality and Heritage
Wentzel’s career path ties together both the United States and Germany. He was born in Pennsylvania, grew up in the American system, but also spent time playing overseas.
At Rot-Weiß Oberhausen, he picked up the German style of defending, which really focuses on structure and tactical awareness.
You can see that blend in how he plays. He’s got the athletic profile you expect from an American defender, but he positions himself with the discipline you see in German academies.
Since he’s got connections to both countries, he’s eligible for more than one national team. While he currently represents the U.S. domestically, his German background keeps some options open internationally.
This dual identity has shaped how he sees the game. It’s given him a wider perspective than players who’ve only played in one system. You notice it in his confidence, his decision-making, and how he adapts to different styles.
Role as Defender at St. Louis City SC
Michael Wentzel has built his reputation by being consistent in the backline, holding his position, and understanding team structure. He made the jump from CITY2 to the senior squad by adapting quickly and staying defensively reliable.
Position and Playing Style
You’ll usually find Wentzel as a central defender, where his 6-foot-2 frame (well, 6’1” depending who you ask) gives him an edge in the air. He relies more on timing and positioning than flat-out speed, which helps him deal with all sorts of forwards.
His style is direct and disciplined. He keeps his shape, talks to his teammates, and rarely gets caught over-committing.
That fits what St. Louis City SC wants, especially since their pressing system needs defenders who stay organized even when the midfield pushes up.
During his time with CITY2, he anchored the defense and wore the captain’s armband. He helped them keep multiple clean sheets, showing he can manage a backline under pressure.
When you watch him in one-on-one situations, he often steps in to break up plays before they get dangerous.
| Season | Team | Matches Started | Clean Sheets | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | CITY2 | 11 | 5 | 990+ |
| 2024 | CITY SC | 2 | 1 | 180 |
Jersey Number Significance
Wentzel wears #13 for St. Louis City SC. Some players are superstitious about that number, but he sees it as an opportunity.
As a defender, #13 gives him a bit of an underdog vibe. It’s not usually linked to star attackers or flashy playmakers, so he gets to define it for himself.
Numbers matter in soccer culture. They reflect both your role and your reputation. For Wentzel, #13 fits a player who’s earned his spot through steady effort, not flash.
When you see #13 on the backline, you know it’s about reliability, not risk.
Integration into the Team
Wentzel joined the senior roster after strong outings with CITY2, including a start in the Concacaf Champions Cup. He made the move easier by already knowing the system and coaching staff.
You can tell his teammates trust him even though he hasn’t played a ton of MLS minutes yet. That comes from his leadership with CITY2, where he set the defensive tone as captain.
St. Louis City SC looks for defenders who adapt quickly. Wentzel proved he could step into high-pressure matches—like the 1-1 draw against Atlanta United—and look right at home.
His ability to read the game and stay calm means he fits in naturally, not like someone still trying to figure things out.
Wentzel, born in State College, Pennsylvania, and a former Rot-Weiß Oberhausen player, brings experience from both the U.S. and Germany. That background helps explain why he mixes tactical discipline with a straightforward, physical style that works in MLS.
Career Progression and Club History
You can see a clear path in Michael Wentzel’s growth, shaped by time in Germany and the U.S. He’s got European academy training, a first step into professional soccer overseas, and a steady climb that led him to a contract with St. Louis City SC.
Youth Development
Wentzel grew up in State College, Pennsylvania, but his soccer journey took him abroad. He spent time in the youth setups of Karlsruher SC and Borussia Mönchengladbach, both respected German clubs known for producing disciplined defenders.
Those years gave him a base in positioning, tactical awareness, and the physical demands of the center back role.
You can usually tell when a player’s trained in European academies. The structure, the repetition, the high level of competition—they all prepare you for senior soccer.
After coming back to the U.S., Wentzel kept working on his game while balancing school. He played college soccer at Elon University, where his size and aerial ability stood out.
His time there bridged the gap between youth and pro soccer, making him a more complete defender.
Professional Debut
Wentzel got his first real pro shot in Germany with Rot-Weiß Oberhausen. He picked up valuable minutes in a tough league where you have to be physically ready.
Playing abroad at a young age tested how quickly he could adapt. You learn fast when you’re up against seasoned pros who know every trick.
By 2022, Wentzel was back in the U.S. and joined St. Louis CITY2, the reserve side for the new MLS club. His leadership clicked right away—he wore the captain’s armband and helped anchor a defense that kept multiple clean sheets.
CITY2 2024 Performance (Selected Stats)
| Matches Played | Starts | Clean Sheets | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | 11 | 5 | 990+ |
Transition to St. Louis City SC
His performances with CITY2 caught the right eyes. In July 2024, St. Louis City SC signed Wentzel to a first-team contract through the rest of 2024, with club options for 2025 and 2026.
The deal showed how much the club trusts his development.
He stepped into the senior side almost right away. He debuted in the Concacaf Champions Cup, then started in a 1-1 draw against Atlanta United.
Those games showed he could handle the speed and physicality of MLS.
Wentzel’s role with the first team is still mostly as a depth option, but the trajectory is going up. At just 23, standing 6’2” and playing with confidence, he’s got the tools to become a regular for City SC soon.
International Experience
You can follow Michael Wentzel’s path beyond club soccer through his time with the United States U23 team and his ties to Germany. His background gives him choices, but so far, he’s focused his career on the U.S.
United States U23 Appearances
Wentzel got his first United States U23 call-up in 2023. At that point, he was playing for St. Louis CITY2 after his stint in Germany with Rot-Weiß Oberhausen.
His selection showed he was growing as a central defender and a steady option in the back.
He’s played in 3 matches for the U23s, all in 2023. He didn’t score, but that wasn’t really the point—he was there to provide defensive stability, win balls in the air, and keep things organized.
United States U23 Record
| Year | Matches | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
You see the value in those appearances not in stats, but in the experience of facing international competition. Playing against different styles at the U23 level gives you a test that domestic games just can’t match.
Wentzel’s U23 time came while he was only a year removed from college soccer at Penn State University, where he played before going pro. That quick transition shows how fast he’s adapted to higher levels.
Dual Citizenship in Soccer Context
Wentzel grew up in State College, Pennsylvania, but he also has German roots. He spent his youth career with Karlsruher SC and Borussia Mönchengladbach II, so he entered the German development system early on.
That background actually makes him eligible for both the United States and Germany. Dual citizenship changes things in soccer because it opens up more international choices.
A player can represent one country at youth level and still switch if he hasn’t played in a senior competitive match. For Wentzel, those three U23 appearances with the United States don’t tie him down forever.
Germany has a ton of center back talent, so breaking into their senior squad soon seems unlikely, but technically, the door’s open. For the United States, his time abroad adds something extra, since Germany’s system is famous for producing disciplined defenders.
You can almost see how this dual path shapes his thinking. Picking the United States U23s gave him chances right away, while his German side stays in his back pocket—maybe not likely, but who knows?
Statistical Overview and Performance
If you look at Michael Wentzel’s numbers, you’ll see a player who shows up consistently, defends well, and steps up when it counts. He’s become a steady option for St. Louis City SC, using his size and awareness to hold things down at the back.
Club Appearances and Goals
Wentzel played college soccer at Penn State before heading to St. Louis City SC, after spending time with Rot-Weiß Oberhausen in Germany. Since then, he’s put together a solid record of appearances in both MLS and MLS NEXT Pro.
He usually plays as a center back and wears the number 13 shirt. Scoring isn’t really his thing, but he’s chipped in on set pieces when needed.
His first pro goal came with CITY2, which helped build his rep as a defender who can get forward at the right moment.
Here’s a quick look at his recent seasons:
| Season | Club | Competition | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | CITY2 | MLS NEXT Pro | 18 | 1 |
| 2024 | CITY2 | MLS NEXT Pro | 21 | 1 |
| 2025 | St. Louis City SC | MLS | 12 | 0 |
You can see how he moved from the second team up to the senior squad, taking on more responsibility each year.
Defensive Records
As a defender, Wentzel stands out because of his positioning and how he reads the game. He doesn’t dive in too often, instead relying on timing and calm decisions.
In MLS, he’s kept his passing accuracy above 80 percent, which is impressive for a center back. He clears danger regularly and often ends up near the top of the team in clearances and aerial duels won.
He plays with discipline, keeping his fouls low and avoiding suspensions. His defensive style focuses on efficiency, not just aggression, and that helps keep St. Louis City SC’s back line steady.
Notable Matches
He delivered one of his best games for CITY2 in 2024, helping them keep a clean sheet against a top Western Conference team. That night, he showed he could handle pressure and organize the defense.
In 2025 MLS play, he played the full 90 minutes against Chicago Fire FC, making several clearances and interceptions. He looked comfortable with the league’s pace.
The league named him to the MLS NEXT Pro Best XI in 2024. That recognition put him among the top performers and showed his potential at the senior level.
Media Presence and Public Engagement
You can track Michael Wentzel’s progress not just with stats, but also through media clips and online coverage. He comes across as steady and professional, making it easy to follow his journey.
Video Highlights
You’ll spot Wentzel’s defensive plays in recaps and highlight reels all the time. His positioning, aerial strength, and timing in tackles make him a regular feature on St. Louis CITY SC’s social channels.
Clubs now share tons of short videos on YouTube, Instagram, and the MLS site. For Wentzel, these clips give a quick sense of his reliability as a central defender.
You see how he reads the game, especially when CITY SC faces high-pressure moments.
Highlight packages from his 2024 CITY2 season, where he made the MLS NEXT Pro Best XI, usually show clearances, duels won, and his communication in the back line.
Key Stats from 2024 (CITY2)
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 19 |
| Starts | 19 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Best XI Honors | Yes |
These stats help explain why his highlights stand out. He’s a defender who plays every minute with focus and consistency.
Media Coverage
Local and national outlets both cover Wentzel. St. Louis CITY SC’s official site announced his first-team contract after CITY2, pointing out his deal through 2024 with options for 2025 and 2026.
FOX Sports and other local media have also picked up his story, often mentioning his age and his spot on the roster.
Coverage usually focuses on his move from CITY2 to the senior team. Reports highlight his time at Rot-Weiß Oberhausen in Germany before he came to St. Louis.
Writers also point out his MLS NEXT Pro Best XI honor. That kind of coverage matters because it shows he’s earning attention beyond just his club.
App and Digital Platforms
You can keep up with Wentzel on the St. Louis CITY SC official app. It’s got rosters, player bios, and match updates.
His profile shows his number, position, and a bit about his background. It’s honestly pretty handy if you want to stay in the loop.
The MLS app tracks his appearances, minutes, and match ratings. You get a simple, centralized view of how he’s doing as he switches between CITY2 and the main squad.
On digital platforms like Transfermarkt, you’ll find his player profile with market value, match history, and personal info. Fans can easily compare his progress with other defenders in the league.
These tools let you follow his career in real time. Whether you’re using the team’s app or checking league-wide platforms, you’ve got direct access to his stats, news, and performance updates.
