Meet T. Totland — The #14 Wall So Tough St. Louis City SC Uses as a Doorstop (and Occasionally Scores)!
So, you’re curious about Tomas Totland and his role with St. Louis City SC? Totland, a 25-year-old Norwegian right back wearing the number 14, brings a blend of consistency and flexibility to the club’s defense. He defends with discipline but isn’t shy about joining the attack, which really makes him a vital piece in the club’s setup.
His path? It’s shaped by European football. Totland came up in Norway, then jumped to Sweden’s top league with BK Häcken, and eventually signed a multi-year contract with St. Louis City SC to reinforce their back line.
You can see his composure and tactical smarts every week at CITYPARK, a direct result of his international experience.
His fit in the team’s bigger picture stands out too. St. Louis City SC keeps tweaking formations and leans on fullbacks for width, so Totland’s ability to play both sides is a real asset.
He’s played for the Norwegian youth national teams, which means he doesn’t just fill a spot—he actually lifts the level of everyone around him. For a club still figuring out its identity, that’s a big deal.
Contents
Player Overview
Tomas Totland brings steady defensive ability, positional flexibility, and international experience to St. Louis CITY SC.
You see a player who can lock down the right side but also cover multiple defensive roles when needed.
His time in European football and transition into MLS gave him adaptability and a level head.
Position and Playing Style
Totland’s main job is at right back, but he’s not just stuck on one side.
He’s shown he can handle both flanks, which gives coaches more options if injuries or tactics force a change.
He plays with balance, always putting defensive positioning first.
You’ll notice how he tracks runners, closes down space, and keeps the back line organized.
He doesn’t take wild risks—just a clean, disciplined approach.
On the ball, Totland keeps things simple and moves possession along.
He’s not the kind of fullback who charges forward at every chance, but he can deliver a good cross when it’s needed.
His reliability is huge in a league where defensive mistakes often cost you.
Jersey Number and Role
Totland wears the #14 jersey for St. Louis CITY SC.
He’s got to show defensive awareness and tactical discipline.
You’ll see him shutting down wingers and helping build from the back when the team transitions into attack.
His role isn’t flashy, but it’s crucial.
In a pressing system that needs quick recoveries, Totland’s positioning keeps the defense solid.
He reads the game well, knowing when to step up and when to hold the line.
Here’s a look at his recent MLS stats:
| Season | Club | Matches | Minutes | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | St. Louis CITY SC | 23 | 1,750 | 0 | 1 |
| 2024 | St. Louis CITY SC | 27 | 2,120 | 0 | 2 |
These numbers show his steady presence more than highlight moments.
Norwegian-American Background
Totland was born in Bergen, Norway on September 28, 1999.
He started his football journey in Norway, then moved to Sweden’s BK Häcken for top-flight experience.
In 2023, he came to St. Louis on a three-year deal with a club option for 2027, bringing European pedigree to the defense.
People call him a Norwegian-American right back, which ties him to both European and American soccer cultures.
That mix helps him adjust to MLS—he’s got the technical skills from Scandinavia and can handle the physical play in the States.
Before he turned pro, Totland attended the Norwegian School of Elite Sport.
That program combined education with player development, giving him discipline and tactical understanding.
Now, you see those qualities in his MLS performances.
He blends international experience with the demands of the American game, making him a reliable part of St. Louis CITY SC’s defense.
St. Louis City SC Tenure
You watch Totland settle into St. Louis, bringing his European experience and the flexibility to play both flanks.
His arrival shows the club wants to build depth and keep their roster stable for the long haul in MLS.
Transfer Details
St. Louis City SC picked up Totland from Swedish side BK Häcken before the 2024 season.
The deal runs through 2026, with a club option for 2027, so Sporting Director Lutz Pfannenstiel has some flexibility with the back line.
The club valued his minutes in both Champions League and Europa League qualifiers against top European teams.
That experience means they got a player who’s already handled pressure.
Totland’s dual nationality added some intrigue.
He was born in Bergen, Norway, but he also has a U.S. passport, so he doesn’t take up an international roster spot.
That’s a practical bonus for building the squad.
Before coming to St. Louis, Totland helped Häcken win their first Allsvenskan title and Svenska Cup.
He played 60 matches, scored once, and had seven assists.
Those numbers show he can contribute on both ends.
Debut and Early Performances
Totland made his MLS debut in the spring of 2024.
He started in a road game at Shell Energy Stadium against Houston Dynamo, playing steady minutes at right back.
His positioning and calmness stood out, even with the crowd against him.
In his first month, he started several matches, including a rivalry clash with Sporting Kansas City.
He showed defensive discipline and the ability to push forward, giving St. Louis a solid option at fullback.
Coaches pointed out his fitness and consistency.
He adapted quickly to the physical style of MLS and became a regular by midseason, trusted with defensive duties and overlapping runs.
Here’s his early 2024 data:
| Season | Matches Played | Minutes | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 18 | 1,420 | 0 | 2 |
Key Matches and Contributions
Totland’s influence really showed in high-pressure matches.
Against Sporting Kansas City, he set up a crucial assist in a 2-1 win, threading a low cross for the game-winner.
That moment locked in his spot for big derby games.
In a summer match with Seattle Sounders, he played the full 90 and made five clearances, helping St. Louis keep a clean sheet.
Teammates and coaches praised his defensive awareness that day.
He also played a steady role in the playoff push.
Late in the season, he switched between right and left back as injuries piled up.
That flexibility gave the team much-needed stability.
Fans love his work rate, but coaches rely on his dependability.
You can count on him to keep the defense organized while still providing width in attack.
That balance makes him a key part of St. Louis City’s identity as the team grows.
Previous Clubs and European Experience
Totland’s career shows a steady climb—from Norway’s lower leagues to Sweden’s top competition, and now MLS.
He started at smaller clubs, built his foundation, and then tested himself in European tournaments.
BK Häcken and Allsvenskan Success
Totland joined BK Häcken in 2022, stepping into Sweden’s top league, the Allsvenskan.
He adapted quickly to the faster pace and tougher competition.
He played in both domestic games and European qualifiers, showing he could handle different challenges.
In two seasons with Häcken, he played 60 matches in all competitions.
He chipped in 1 goal and 7 assists, which is solid for a right back who stays disciplined but isn’t afraid to move up.
| Club | Years | Matches | Goals | Assists | Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BK Häcken | 2022–2023 | 60 | 1 | 7 | Allsvenskan title, Svenska Cupen |
His role was important in Häcken’s first Allsvenskan title.
He added depth and balance on the right, and his experience in European qualifiers gave him a taste of high-level competition.
Time at Sogndal and Fana
Before Sweden, Totland came up in Norway.
He started at Fana Idrettslag, a third-division club, in 2016.
He played 10 matches and scored once—a short stint, but it gave him his first experience in senior football.
Next, he moved to Sogndal, a second-division team, where he became a regular.
Over four seasons, he made 81 appearances, scored 7 goals, and had 9 assists.
That’s impressive for a defender and shows his willingness to join the attack.
At Sogndal, he gained consistency and more responsibility.
He developed into a dependable starter, sharpening his defensive positioning and his support for forward play.
This period set him up for the jump to Norway’s top flight.
Tromsø and Norwegian Leagues
In 2021, Totland signed with Tromsø Idrettslag, a first-division club in Norway.
He faced tougher competition every week.
He had an immediate impact, putting up 5 goals and 3 assists in 28 matches across all competitions.
That’s a standout stat line for a right back.
It shows how he balanced defensive reliability with an attacking edge—something he took with him to Sweden.
His time at Tromsø prepared him for international competition.
By the time he left Norway, he’d already shown he could handle the physical and tactical demands of higher-level football.
Totland’s steady rise through Fana, Sogndal, and Tromsø shows clear progress.
Each step gave him more responsibility and pushed him closer to the level needed for European tournaments and eventually MLS.
International Career
Tomas Totland carved out his path with steady progress on Norway’s youth teams and brings the unique background of dual citizenship.
His international record shows consistency at the youth level, and he’s eligible for both Norway and the United States—an interesting twist for his future.
Youth National Team Appearances
You can trace Totland’s growth by looking at his time with Norway’s youth squads. He got his first call-up in 2017 for the U18 team and played in three matches.
In 2018, he moved up to the U21 side and made three more appearances over two years. Then in 2020, he picked up a single cap with the U20 team.
His international stats show a steady presence, even though he didn’t score:
| Team | Years | Caps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norway U18 | 2017 | 3 | 0 |
| Norway U20 | 2020 | 1 | 0 |
| Norway U21 | 2018–2019 | 3 | 0 |
These games put him up against some of Europe’s best young players. He hasn’t broken into Norway’s senior squad yet, but he’s stayed on the radar at different age levels.
Dual Citizenship and Eligibility
Totland’s family background is worth a look. He was born in Bergen, Norway, to a Norwegian father and an American mother.
So, he holds dual citizenship, making him eligible for both Norway and the United States at the senior level.
That kind of flexibility can really matter. He’s already played for Norway’s youth teams, but FIFA rules would let him switch to the U.S. if he decides to.
For St. Louis City SC, having a right back who’s Norwegian-American and has options internationally is a plus. It opens up his career possibilities and could make him interesting to U.S. Soccer if they’re looking for fullback depth.
His next steps might depend on how he performs in MLS. If he’s consistent, maybe both federations will take notice.
If you want to dig deeper, Wikipedia’s profile on Tomas Totland has more details on his background.
Achievements and Honors
Tomas Totland’s career shows steady progress in European football and some real success in Sweden’s top league. He’s played on the continental stage and picked up domestic titles with BK Häcken before heading to St. Louis City SC.
Champions League and Europa League Participation
Before coming to Major League Soccer, Totland picked up valuable experience with BK Häcken in Sweden’s Allsvenskan. That included appearances in UEFA competitions, where Häcken made it into both the Champions League and Europa League qualifiers.
These matches tested his pace and positioning against some pretty tough European sides. As a right back, he had to stay sharp and hold his shape against stronger competition.
Häcken didn’t go far in either tournament, but just getting there says a lot. Playing in UEFA qualifiers means you’ve been consistent in the league, and Häcken managed that by finishing near the top of the Allsvenskan. Totland’s part in those games added to his profile and helped get him ready for MLS.
UEFA Competition Record with BK Häcken
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Season(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Champions League Qualifiers | 2 | 0 | 2023 |
| Europa League Qualifiers | 3 | 0 | 2022–23 |
Domestic Titles and Awards
Totland’s biggest achievements came in Sweden. With BK Häcken, he helped win the Allsvenskan championship in 2022, a huge moment for the club.
That title marked Häcken’s first league trophy, and Totland played a steady role in the back line.
He also picked up the Swedish Cup in 2023, adding another trophy to his collection. These wins show his impact in a league that’s known for developing disciplined defenders.
At just 25, Totland already has two major domestic honors. Those championships aren’t just medals—they show he can contribute in winning teams. His time in Sweden gave him a solid base to step into MLS with some confidence.
You can check out more about his professional honors on Transfermarkt.
Impact on St. Louis City SC
Tomas Totland brings both European experience and positional flexibility to St. Louis City SC. He’s played in Norway and Sweden, and he can cover either flank, which gives the team a solid option in Major League Soccer.
Defensive Strength and Versatility
You get a defender who can cover multiple roles. Totland’s main spot is right back, but he’s shown he can step in on the left if needed.
That flexibility lets St. Louis City SC shift formations without losing their balance.
He’s faced high-level opposition in Champions League and Europa League qualifiers with BK Häcken. That experience has sharpened his positioning and decision-making for MLS matches.
Totland’s defensive game isn’t just about sticking to his mark. He reads plays, intercepts passes, and helps out the midfield when the team presses.
Here’s what his numbers from Sweden look like:
| Competition | Matches | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Competitions (BK Häcken) | 60 | 1 | 7 |
| Europa/Champions League (Qualifiers) | 10 | 0 | 1 |
With his background, you get a player who can defend wide spaces, handle one-on-one battles, and still help out in transition.
Team Dynamics and Future Prospects
Totland’s arrival really changes how St. Louis City SC manages its back line. Opponents kept picking on the flanks last season, and the club just didn’t have a great answer. Now, with Totland in the mix, they finally have someone who can stabilize the right side. He can also cover on the left if needed.
Totland is only 24, so he’s basically entering his best years. He’s played for Norway’s youth teams and, interestingly, holds a U.S. passport. That little detail makes life easier for the front office when it comes to MLS roster rules.
The club gave him a three-year deal with an option for 2027. That’s a pretty clear sign the front office believes in him. Sporting Director Lutz Pfannenstiel seems convinced Totland can handle both defending and getting forward, which matches the team’s high-press style.
Honestly, his attacking numbers jump out. Back in Norway with Sogndal and Tromsø, he racked up double-digit goal contributions from defense. That tells you he’s comfortable flying down the wing and swinging balls into the box when St. Louis attacks.
With Totland on board, St. Louis finally has a defender who fills a big need right now. He could easily become a key piece as the club builds its defensive identity in the next few years.
