Fenton, MO (September 19, 2015) – The following is a press release from Saint Louis FC of the USL.
Season Ends With Saint Louis FC Kings Cup Comeback
Saint Louis FC closed its inaugural 2015 season in style, rallying for a 2-1 victory over rivals Louisville City FC Saturday night at World Wide Technology Soccer Park in front of 5,662 fans.
With the win, Saint Louis FC finishes the season with a 8-11-9 record while Louisville finishes 14-8-6.
“After everything we went through this season, this was a great way to finish,” Head Coach Dale Schilly said. “The guys followed through with the gameplan and put together a great performance tonight.”
Louisville started the game well and took the lead in the 11th minute, with Matt Fondy crossing to Niall McCabe at the back post before McCabe scored from close range.
Saint Louis would equalize just before halftime, however, with Kingsley Bryce and Jamiel Hardware combining nicely. After taking a pass from Mike Ambersley, Bryce beat several Louisville defenders down the right flank before playing a pass to Hardware in the center of the penalty area. Hardware controlled the ball, rounded goalkeeper Scott Goodwin, and finished from a tight angle to level the score at 1-1 going into the half.
After both teams had chances to go in front in the second half, Bryce delivered the eventual game-winner in the 77th minute. A combination in Louisville’s half led to a flicked pass from substitute Jordan Roberts into the path of Bryce, who slotted past Goodwin to give STL FC the 2-1 lead.
Alex Riggs made his first start in goal for the hosts and made three saves to earn the victory. His biggest stop came late on, when he denied Aodhan Quinn from a direct kick, sprawling to push Quinn’s shot off the post.
After winning just one of its first 11 home matches in USL competition, Saint Louis FC won its final three home games while scoring a combined seven goals in those games.
“The guys worked their tails off to get these last three results,” Schilly added. “It sets us up for what we have to do next year. You take your last game with you until the next one, so we’ll get to hold onto this one for a while.”
