(Editorial) – The 2016 USL season is fast approaching and it has been a busy Saint Louis FC preseason. Here’s a few updates on everything going on at World Wide Technology Soccer Park with some insight from General Manager Jeremy Alumbaugh.
Soccer Park Turf Renovations:
For those of you living under a rock, the Soccer Park was submerged by a flood of epic proportions at the turn of the new year. The rain submerged the entire park, save the score board and lights. Fortunately, plans were already in place to replace the turf on the main field.
“We’ve go a lot of work to do. We’re off to a good start and we’re getting back to normal,” Alumbaugh told Last Word on Sports. He added “we should be up and running close to normal by March 1st.”
Fortunately for Saint Louis FC, their home opener is not until April 16th against Tulsa Roughnecks FC. They will play their first four USL games on the road. The field should be ready even before it’s needed and no home games will need to be rescheduled.
In the immediate future, the lack of a playing surface won’t be a big issue. The club was already planning to spend some of the preseason in Charleston, SC.
Saint Louis FC is directed by the St. Louis Scott Gallagher Foundation, a 501c3 organization. You can find more information and donate to “Bring Back the Park” here.
MLS Affiliation With Chicago Fire Renewed:
After some speculation and waiting, the Chicago Fire and Saint Louis FC decided to renew their affiliation for the 2016 season. As poor as the results were for both teams last year, their affiliation was beneficial for both parties.
Alec Kann and Patrick Doody were great all year for Saint Louis FC. Kann impressed enough to get selected in the MLS Re-Entry Draft. Doody was one of the most consistent field players all year. Kingsley Bryce was also good down the stretch for the club.
Saint Louis FC got quality minutes from the loaned players. The Fire got their young guys some minutes that developed them. With Veljko Paunovic, who has lots of experience at coaching the U-20 level, taking over the Fire, player development will be a priority.
Saint Louis FC should get 2-3 quality contributors for the season.
Other Happenings:
The club will be making the move to the Western Conference in 2016 due to further USL expansion. They will be the eastern most side in the conference.
Earlier this month, the club announced the signing of midfielder Chad Bond. Bond was with Tulsa in 2015, racking up 8 assists in 22 games. He looked impressive while doing it too.
“Chad was a guy we had our eyes on right away. He’s an engine. He can cover ground box-to-box,” said Alumbaugh. Bond is a versatile midfielder who can play both a holding and box-to-box role. He can also play forward. “He can find penetrating passes and get balls in behind. He loves to play forward,” Alumbaugh added.
Bond could be a great midfield partner with Brandon Barklage, or he could be paired up top with a striker as a playmaker. This is an excellent problem for Head Coach Dale Schilly to have. Bond is clearly excited join his new club. Alumbaugh confirmed: “For [Bond], it was the project. He really likes the direction of the club, the fan support, the supporter’s culture. He likes the style of play.”
Alumbaugh confirmed that the core is well on its way to being healthy for the start of preseason. Mark Pais is back and training and is well on his way. Alumbaugh added jokingly “Barklage sent me a text the other day saying he feels like $1 million. I’ll take him at $500,000.” Left back Richard Dixon is also close to being “unbelievably fit.”
With the roster officially at 16, there are still other signings to make and announce. The club looks to enter the season with around 22 players including the loaned Chicago Fire players.
