St. Louis City SC’s 2025 Squad Will Make Your Fantasy Team Jealous (and Your Rivals Cry)
You probably know the story by now. St. Louis waited for decades to get a top-flight soccer team. When St. Louis City SC finally arrived in 2023, the club jumped right in and made an impact. St. Louis City SC stands as the first female majority-owned team in Major League Soccer, playing home matches at Energizer Park in downtown St. Louis. That ownership structure, along with a passionate fan base, gives the club a unique vibe in American soccer.
You notice it in how the stadium fills up, how rivalries with Sporting Kansas City and Chicago Fire heated up so quickly, and how the roster mixes international talent with local players. The team’s early success—including a first-place Western Conference finish right out of the gate—set expectations sky-high. By 2025, nobody’s asking if St. Louis belongs in MLS. The real question is: how far can this club go in a league that gets tougher every year?
As you follow this season, you’ll want to see how interim coach David Critchley handles the squad, how the roster changes after big transfers, and how the club matches up against both regional rivals and league giants. The story of St. Louis City SC isn’t just about results. It’s about how a city with real soccer roots is helping shape the future of the sport in the U.S. For context, here’s a quick snapshot:
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2019 |
| MLS Debut | 2023 |
| Stadium | Energizer Park, St. Louis, Missouri |
| Capacity | 22,423 |
| Ownership | Carolyn Kindle, Taylor family, Jim Kavanaugh |
| Head Coach 2025 | David Critchley (Interim) |
| 2024 Finish | 12th in Western Conference, 24th Overall |
Contents
St Louis City SC Overview
This club blends a century of St. Louis soccer tradition with the modern setup of Major League Soccer. The foundation, the city’s place in American soccer history, and the journey into MLS all come together to show how City SC came to life.
Club History and Foundation
St. Louis City SC officially launched on August 20, 2019. Carolyn Kindle and female members of the Taylor family lead the ownership group, making this the first female majority-owned team in MLS. Jim Kavanaugh, CEO of World Wide Technology, also plays a big part in the investment group.
The club started playing in 2023 at Energizer Park, a 22,423-seat soccer stadium in downtown St. Louis. The stadium anchors a 31-acre district, which includes team offices, training grounds, and commercial space.
Bradley Carnell, a former South African international who played at Wits University before moving into coaching, took charge as the first head coach in 2022. He led the team through its inaugural season, but the club replaced him in 2024 after a rough start.
Here’s a quick look at their first two years:
| Season | Conference Finish | Overall Finish | Playoffs | Head Coach |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1st (West) | 4th | Lost in Round 1 | Bradley Carnell |
| 2024 | 12th (West) | 24th | Did not qualify | John Hackworth (interim) |
St. Louis in American Soccer
You can’t really get City SC without knowing St. Louis’s deep soccer roots. The city has produced U.S. national team players for decades, and Saint Louis University has been a pipeline for talent. SLU’s Billikens won 10 NCAA championships, which says a lot about the city’s connection to the sport.
Pro soccer in St. Louis goes way back to the early 1900s. Clubs like Stix, Baer and Fuller dominated in the 1930s. The city’s amateur leagues produced national champions.
In more recent years, AC St. Louis and Saint Louis FC kept the sport alive locally. Even though both teams folded, they helped build the foundation for MLS interest.
Supporters’ groups matter too. The St. Louligans, who started in 2010, became one of the most visible fan bases in lower-division soccer. Their energy helped show MLS that St. Louis would turn out for a top-flight club.
Major League Soccer Expansion
MLS always saw St. Louis as a strong candidate for expansion. The central location, soccer culture, and corporate support made the city appealing. Early bids in 2008 and 2017 didn’t work out, mostly because of stadium funding problems.
The successful push came in 2018 when the Taylor family and Carolyn Kindle put forward a privately financed stadium plan. This time, the bid didn’t rely on public tax money, which helped seal the deal.
On August 20, 2019, MLS announced St. Louis as its 28th franchise. The team planned to debut in 2022, but the COVID-19 pandemic delayed that to 2023.
When City SC finally played, it became the first MLS expansion team to win its first five matches. That hot start set the tone and made all the years of waiting feel worth it.
You can check out St. Louis City SC’s website for official updates and schedules, or follow league coverage on MLSsoccer.com.
2025 St Louis City SC Season
The 2025 season is only the club’s third in Major League Soccer. The team is still working through the challenges that come with being a young franchise.
You see a roster packed with experienced internationals, MLS veterans, and academy talent. They’re all trying to find some consistency against tough Western Conference teams.
Season Highlights and Key Matches
St Louis City SC opened the year with preseason camps in Florida and California. They played teams like the New England Revolution and New York Red Bulls before the regular season.
The club entered the MLS campaign with high hopes after signing midfielder Marcel Hartel, who came from Arminia Bielefeld. He’s now the team’s highest-paid player.
The season brought a few notable fixtures. A February matchup with Austin FC in the Coachella Valley Invitational gave the team an early test against playoff-level opposition. Regular season matches against Sporting Kansas City and Chicago Fire FC stood out for their intensity, showing how much these regional rivalries mean.
CITY SC also took part in the U.S. Open Cup. Young players like Miguel Perez, a homegrown product who played college soccer at Saint Louis University, got valuable minutes. These games gave the squad a chance to show its depth beyond the first-choice lineup.
Performance in the Western Conference
By mid-July, St Louis City SC found itself near the bottom of the Western Conference. The team picked up 4 wins, 12 losses, and 6 draws—18 points in league play, according to StatsCrew.
Here’s a look at the numbers:
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Wins | 4 |
| Losses | 12 |
| Draws | 6 |
| Points | 18 |
| Conference Standing | 13th |
| Goals Scored | 21 |
| Goals Conceded | 36 |
The defense has been a real problem. Even with Roman Bürki’s leadership in goal, the back line just hasn’t gelled. Injuries to Joakim Nilsson and Henry Kessler forced the team to shuffle defenders, which made it hard to build chemistry.
Midfielders like Eduard Löwen, who played at VfL Bochum before coming to MLS, have carried most of the creative load. Still, the team struggles to score consistently.
Playoff Prospects and Standings
With the expanded MLS playoff format, there’s still some hope for a run, but honestly, it’s a long shot. Sitting in 13th place, CITY SC would need a big second half to climb into the top nine and snag a playoff spot.
The club’s chances depend on three things:
- Better home form at CITYPARK, where fans keep showing up.
- Health of key defenders, especially Nilsson and Kessler.
- Forwards stepping up, with João Klauss needing to find his 2023 scoring touch again.
You can’t ignore the financial commitment to Hartel, who makes nearly $1.8 million a year, according to Capology. His influence in midfield will be crucial if the team wants to turn close losses into points.
The Western Conference stays as competitive as ever. LAFC and Seattle lead the pack. For St Louis City SC, the real test isn’t just making the postseason—it’s about proving they can hang with the league’s best in year three.
Team Roster and Management
You see a roster that mixes international experience with homegrown talent. The management team focuses on stability and long-term growth. They balance veterans, young prospects, and a clear vision for leadership.
Current Squad and Notable Players
St. Louis CITY SC keeps up to 30 players on its active roster. Every player can be selected during the regular season.
You’ll spot a mix of European veterans and American college standouts. Defender Tim Parker, who played at Saint John’s University, anchors the back line and brings leadership.
João Klauss, a Brazilian striker with Bundesliga experience, leads the attack. He remains the team’s main scoring threat.
Roman Bürki, the club’s captain and goalkeeper, gives the team stability from the back. His time at Borussia Dortmund sharpened his reflexes, and his presence sets the tone for the group.
You can check out the full St. Louis CITY SC roster for more details on players, positions, and contracts. Here’s a quick look at some key contributors:
| Player | Position | College/Origin | Notable Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roman Bürki | Goalkeeper | Switzerland | Leadership, reflexes |
| Tim Parker | Defender | Saint John’s Univ. | Aerial duels, organization |
| João Klauss | Forward | Brazil | Finishing, hold-up play |
| Eduard Löwen | Midfielder | Germany | Passing range, set pieces |
Coaching Staff and Leadership
Bradley Carnell, a former South African international, leads the technical staff as head coach. He worked as an assistant with the New York Red Bulls before taking over in St. Louis. You can see his preference for high pressing and fast transitions in the team’s style.
The coaching staff also includes assistants focused on player development and fitness. They help younger players adjust to the league’s physical demands.
The front office values staff continuity, which helps maintain a steady identity across competitions. Management decisions—from building the roster to tactical planning—stay closely tied to the coaching group’s input. That teamwork builds a system where players know their roles and what’s expected of them.
Lutz Pfannenstiel’s Role
Sporting Director Lutz Pfannenstiel runs the whole soccer operation. He played as a goalkeeper on six continents, and his global network really shapes the roster you see now.
He targets undervalued talent from abroad but also cares about developing local players.
Pfannenstiel’s philosophy is all about sustainability. He doesn’t like to overspend on big names. Instead, he goes after players who actually fit the system.
That approach keeps the club competitive and helps build stability for the long haul.
You can follow the club’s roster moves and contract details at Spotrac’s 2025 St. Louis CITY SC roster.
Pfannenstiel does more than just sign players—he works with the coaching staff to make sure recruitment lines up with tactical needs.
His knack for innovation and smart scouting has given St. Louis a clear MLS identity—one based on discipline, efficiency, and clever roster management.
Key Rivalries and Notable Opponents
You can feel the rivalries around St. Louis City SC, not just because of geography but also thanks to playoff clashes, heated regular season games, and city pride.
Some opponents push the club in different ways—sometimes it’s about playing style, postseason drama, or just bragging rights between cities.
Sporting Kansas and the Midwest Derby
The rivalry with Sporting Kansas City sits at the heart of St. Louis City’s MLS identity. These two cities are just a few hours apart along I-70, and their sports competition now spills onto the soccer pitch.
St. Louis joined MLS in 2023 and jumped right into a matchup with Sporting KC, which fans call the Heartland Derby. You’ll also hear I-70 Derby or Darbecue—a nod to both geography and food.
Sporting KC fans like to point out their longer MLS history. St. Louis fans, though, love to remind everyone that Sporting actually plays home games in Kansas, not Missouri.
The results? Pretty even so far. By May 2025, the clubs have faced off 10 times—Sporting KC won 4, St. Louis took 3, and 3 ended in draws.
Their first playoff clash came in 2023. Sporting KC, the No. 8 seed, upset top-seeded St. Louis in a best-of-three series.
| Competition | Matches | SKC Wins | STL Wins | Draws | Goals (SKC) | Goals (STL) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLS Regular Season | 8 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 12 | 18 |
| MLS Cup Playoffs | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 2 |
| Total | 10 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 18 | 20 |
But honestly, this derby is about way more than numbers. Both fan bases want to claim soccer supremacy in Missouri.
You can sense the tension every time they meet, and it doesn’t look like that’s going away.
Matches Against Austin, Houston, and Orlando
When St. Louis faces Austin FC, Houston Dynamo, or Orlando City SC, it’s a different kind of test.
These clubs aren’t local rivals like Sporting KC, but they’ve really pushed St. Louis in both Western and Eastern Conference games.
Austin leans on a possession-heavy style and a young roster, so you have to stay sharp defensively. St. Louis usually tries to hit them on the break, using speed from players like João Klauss. He played college soccer in Brazil before heading to Europe.
Houston Dynamo brings a different challenge. With a history of MLS Cup wins, they play physical and have tons of experience.
Games against Houston often come down to set pieces or a moment of magic. Veterans like Héctor Herrera, who came from Atlético Madrid, control the tempo in midfield.
Orlando City SC, even though they’re in the Eastern Conference, always seems to deliver wild games. Their attack, led by Facundo Torres from Uruguay, stretches defenses and opens up space.
St. Louis has learned to adapt by dropping deeper and then breaking out in transition.
Each matchup brings a new tactical battle, and honestly, these games sharpen St. Louis for the playoffs.
Clashes with New England Revolution and Portland
When St. Louis plays the New England Revolution, they go up against one of the league’s most consistent regular season teams.
New England’s 2021 Supporters’ Shield run under Bruce Arena proved how tough they can be. Their control in midfield often forces St. Louis to play more direct, skipping over the pressure with longer passes.
Portland Timbers are a different animal. Providence Park is one of the toughest places to play, with fans making noise nonstop.
Portland’s attack, driven by players like Sebastián Blanco from Argentina’s San Lorenzo, thrives on quick combos and wide play.
St. Louis has had to adjust to Portland’s pressing by rotating the squad and relying on tough defenders like Tim Parker, who played at St. John’s.
These games usually end up close, with late goals deciding things. You get the sense that these teams are pretty evenly matched.
Encounters with San Jose, Seattle, and Vancouver
San Jose Earthquakes, Seattle Sounders, and Vancouver Whitecaps all bring something different.
San Jose’s man-marking system under coaches like Matías Almeyda creates chaos. You get thrown into one-on-one battles all over the field, so discipline is key.
Seattle Sounders? They’re one of the model franchises in MLS. With multiple MLS Cup titles, they set the bar for consistency.
Facing Seattle means dealing with players like Jordan Morris, who starred at Stanford, and Nicolás Lodeiro, a Uruguay national team veteran. These games really test if St. Louis can handle playoff-level intensity, even in the regular season.
Vancouver Whitecaps, while they haven’t won as much, can surprise you with their speed on the counter. Matches between St. Louis and Vancouver tend to be open, with plenty of chances on both ends.
Vancouver leans on young talent from Canada and abroad, which keeps things unpredictable.
All these encounters give St. Louis valuable experience against different styles, helping the club grow into a more complete MLS team.
St Louis City SC and the Broader Soccer Landscape
You notice St Louis City SC’s growth not just in MLS, but in how the club connects to the wider soccer world.
The team’s rise highlights the value of international friendlies, the buzz around Premier League visits, and the impact of global stars like Lionel Messi.
MLS and International Friendlies
St Louis City SC plays in Major League Soccer, a league that keeps expanding its reach. Now, you see matches that grab attention from both U.S. fans and people overseas.
MLS clubs often schedule friendlies against foreign teams. It’s a cool chance to see different styles of play.
These games really do two things. They test your team against international opponents and bring overseas clubs into American stadiums.
For St Louis City SC, matches at CITYPARK against visiting teams show off the stadium’s design and atmosphere.
Past MLS friendlies have included teams from Mexico, Germany, and England. For fans, it’s a rare shot to see how local talent stacks up against international competition.
These contests also help MLS clubs build credibility abroad—something that matters as the league tries to become a real player on the global stage.
Impact of Premier League Visits
When Premier League clubs tour the U.S., you get a closer look at the world’s most-watched league.
Games against English teams, whether in St Louis or a nearby city, draw fans who follow Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea—you name it.
These visits matter. They connect local soccer culture to the global game.
They also shine a light on St Louis’s long soccer history in the U.S. Seeing a Premier League club play here? That shows the respect international teams have for the American market.
Attendance figures show just how much these games pull in:
| Match Type | Average Attendance |
|---|---|
| MLS Regular Season | 22,000+ |
| Premier League Friendlies | 40,000–60,000 |
It’s no wonder international visits keep growing. You see bigger crowds, more media, and a spike in interest for the local team each time.
Influence of Global Stars Like Messi
When Lionel Messi showed up in MLS with Inter Miami, the league just felt different. Suddenly, every match he played grabbed global attention.
Messi comes to a city, and ticket prices shoot up. Stadiums fill up fast, and TV ratings go wild.
For St Louis City SC, hosting Messi at CITYPARK isn’t just a big game. It pulls in new fans and gives the club a chance to shine.
Young players get starstruck seeing him in person. MLS veterans look at Messi and wonder how they stack up against a legend.
Messi’s pull goes way past the pitch. Sponsors want in, and international media can’t stay away.
That spotlight lifts every MLS team, including St Louis City SC. Suddenly, the league feels bigger and the competition gets even more exciting for fans.
