Saint Louis FC have signed St. Louis native and six year MLS veteran Brandon Barklage for the upcoming USL season.
The 28-year-old seems invigorated to join the club. “It’s going to be great to get home and represent my hometown as a member of Saint Louis FC. I’ve been in talks with the club for the past month or so, and they’ve treated my family and I with nothing but respect,” Barklage said.
Barklage (defender, 28, 5′ 11”) joins Saint Louis after spending 2014 with the San Jose Earthquakes of MLS. The right back was a third round draft pick for D.C. United in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft. After three years in the nation’s capital, he moved on to the New York Red Bull. Barklage has been impressed with the quality of play in USL and STL FC despite spending his entire professional career in MLS.
“I got to see a bit of the game on Saturday against Tulsa, and I thought the team looked great,” said the Chicago Fire Premier product. “Hopefully I can play a leadership role and help some of the younger guys develop.”
Barklage attended CBC High School. He scored 16 goals as a Cadet, and was listed as the #5 prospect in the country by the NSCAA in 2004. At the youth club level, he played for Scott Gallagher, where he was part of the 2004 USYSA National Championship team.
He began his college career at the University of New Mexico, but transferred after his freshman year to Saint Louis University. His senior year, he was named Second Team All-Atlantic 10 and was on the Top Drawer Soccer National Team of the Season.
Head Coach Dale Schilly was thrilled with the signing. “How exciting for St. Louis soccer fans to be able to watch Brandon in the prime of his career,” he said. “Brandon possesses the technical base and skill level to fit perfectly into our style of play, so his impact on the team will be immediate. He also has the athletic ability and competitiveness to help disrupt the opposition’s flow.
“Brandon has had some great experiences in his career and has been a part of some special locker rooms. Those experiences will help lead some of our younger guys through their first professional experience.”
Barklage was a half time sub this past weekend in a preseason friendly against the Tulsa Roughnecks. He assisted on a goal in the 90th minute that proved to be the game winner, as Saint Louis FC won 2-1. Barklage is home, and he’s just a little bit excited about it.
Haven’t felt that giddy in a while. This team has character. On to the next one. #STLFC
— Brandon Barklage (@bbarks25) March 22, 2015
