(Editorial) – Jermie Lynch turned professional in 2011 at the age of 20. He joined Harbor View FC in his native country of Jamaica. Unable to find regular playing time, he was loaned out to La Firpo in El Salvador last year, scoring one goal in seven matches. Now he’s found his way to America and Saint Louis FC. He’s found regular playing time, and he’s making every minute count.
STL FC played three friendlies against USL and NASL sides. The team put together good performances in Head Coach Dale Schilly‘s diamond formation. The squad was able to out-posses and out-chance their opponents. They just weren’t able to finish off those chances. The side were shutout in the first two matches against Indy Eleven and at home against Tulsa Roughnecks FC. Saint Louis then went on the road to Tulsa, they came back to win 2-1 at the death, with both goals scored by Lynch, who came off the bench in the 67th minute.
In their first match of the 2015 USL season, Saint Louis lost on the road at Louisville 2-0. Click here for highlights. Lynch began the game on the bench. He came on in the second half with the team down 1-0, but the Chupacabras were not able to find the back of the net.
This past Thursday, STL FC got their first win, again on the road in Tulsa, 2-0. Click here for highlights. Lynch started the match, and the team was much improved from the first minute on. The Jamaican found the back of the net on a second chance off a corner kick in the 43rd minute. These are the chances STL FC were unable to finish during the preseason. In the second half Lynch received a pass from the top of the box Chicago Fire loanie Patrick Doody. Lynch took two touches to face goal and found Bryan Gaul who scored.
GIF: @JermieLynch scores the first goal in @SaintLouisFC history to put his side up 1-0. #USL #STLFC #TULvSTL pic.twitter.com/Zlvfo2pKXS
— USL (@USL) April 3, 2015
Prior to Lynch joining Gaul up top, the combination of Gaul, Mike Ambersley, and Jamiel Hardware at the top of the diamond was doing a good job creating chances. Gaul was one of the most impressive players in preseason with good hold up play. Hardware has improved with each match. His first touch been better and so has his decision making as the CAM. Ambersley has not been poor, it’s just that the other combination has yielded better results on the scoreboard.
Gaul provides the aerial presence. Lynch roams around Gaul. The midfield now has the option of playing to Gaul’s head or to Lynch’s feet. The back line is coming together. James Musa wore the Captain’s Armband in Tulsa. He and Sam Fink have fostered a good relationship behind their vocal goalkeeper, Mark Pais. Brandon Barklage has been an excellent shield and tempo-setter in the holding midfield position in the diamond. The addition of Doody has allowed Schilly to move Parker Maher to the midfield and provide the box-to-box wing presence. Everything behind Lynch is coming together, and he’s the powdered sugar on top of the Gooey Butter Cake that is this soccer team.
Lynch’s reaction to leading the team in scoring has been a good sign:
Once again I have to say congrats to the players because we all work hard to get these memorable points. A lot more to come. @SaintLouisFC
— jermie lynch (@JermieLynch) April 3, 2015
The kid is staying humble and praising the work of his teammates. That’s the mindset of a focused and hungry striker. Whether it’s setting up his teammates or scoring himself, if Lynch’s play is any indication of things to come, STL FC are well on their way to a successful 2015 campaign.
Saint Louis FC will have their first ever home match this Saturday, April 11th at the Saint Louis Soccer Park. They host the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. Kick off will be at 7:30 pm CST.
Main Photo courtesy of hvfc.net
