(St. Louis, MO April 29, 2015) – The following is a press release from Saint Louis FC of the USL.
Saint Louis Football Club has announced a pair of player signings with the additions of Peter Kelly and Alex Riggs. These signings bring the roster total to 26 players including players on loan from the Chicago Fire. These signings help Saint Louis FC add depth to their roster, especially with recent injuries and five matches in the month of May.
Kelly (defender/midfielder, 24, 6′ 0”) arrives at STL FC after completing his four-year collegiate career at SIUE. The St. Louis native started all 20 games for SIUE in his senior campaign, tallying five goals and three assists. He tied for the team-lead with three game-winning goals and earned second-team All-Missouri Valley Conference honors.
“Peter brings a good technical base, a high work rate, and a passion to compete for the team,” Head Coach Dale Schilly said. “He is capable of playing as an attacking wing back or in the box-to-box midfield role. He is a nice addition to the team.”
A four-year letter winner at St. Louis Priory High School, Kelly recorded a league-leading 20 goals and 12 assists as a senior and was a two-time All-State selection.
Riggs (goalkeeper, 27, 6′ 4”) is a St. Louis native and former Missouri State University standout. The 6-foot-4 goalkeeper brings MLS experience, after signing with the Columbus Crew in 2011. Riggs appeared in 4 reserve match games for the Crew, allowing just one goal against.
“I am really happy to have Alex with us,” STL FC Goalkeeping Coach Brian Jones said. “The improvement that he has made over the course of the last nine weeks has been unbelievable.”
During his collegiate career, Riggs was named the Missouri Valley Conference Goalkeeper of the Year in 2010 and the MVC Defensive Player of the Year in 2009. He ended his Missouri State career ranked second all-time in shutouts (23), goals against average (.925), saves (279), matches started in net (62) and minutes played in goal (5,934).
Riggs still holds the Fort Zumwalt South High School record for most varsity shutouts (31), and led his team to a 51-12-3 record over his career.
“He has absolutely earned this opportunity,” Jones added. “I am excited to see where the next 6 months takes him.”
Main Photo courtesy of Mark Guthrel, team photographer for St Louis FC.
