Saint Louis FC Begins 2018 Season Tonight In Texas

Ryan
2195 days ago.

STLFC Begins 2018 USL Season With Plenty Of New Faces

Saint Louis FC On The Road For 2 Matches Before March 31 Home Opener

As a crazy group of local soccer supporters and philanthropists say, the boys are back.

Saint Louis FC, the local United Soccer League club, begins the 2018 season tonight on the road in Edinburg, Texas. STLFC kicks off against the Rio Grande Valley FC Toros at 7:30 PM CT. In the St. Louis area, the match can be seen on KPLR Channel 11 as well as streamed on YouTube.

Anthony Pulis is the new head coach of Saint Louis FC. STLFC is the St. Louis entry in the United Soccer League. Pulis is the son of former West Brom coach Tony Pulis.
Anthony Pulis has been named the head coach of Saint Louis FC. Image Credit: Saint Louis FC

Saint Louis FC begins its third USL season tonight with a much different lineup than the one it rolled out in the final game of the 2017 season. There will also be a new man leading the team in 2018.

Anthony Pulis takes over as the third head coach in the club’s history, taking over for the departed Preki. The former Orlando City B coach is the son of Tony Pulis, currently the manager of Middlesbrough in the English Football League Championship.

STLFC went 4-0-2 in the preseason, including a draw with USL rival Louisville City FC. Pulis told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that he has liked what he’s seen from the team in the preseason, but is unsure of what to expect to start the regular season.

“Until we hear that first whistle and kick off Friday, I don’t think anybody knows what to expect. I can tell you this: I’m extremely pleased with the hard work and the commitment I’ve seen so far. We have a great group of guys with excellent attitudes and a real willingness to buy into what I expect of them.”

It’s Back To The West For 2018

The powers that be in the USL offices have placed Saint Louis FC back in the Western Conference for the 2018 season. The club made its USL debut in the Eastern Conference before moving to the west for its second season. Last year’s third season was spent in the Eastern Conference.

Sam Fink Among New Faces On STLFC Roster

With a new  coach commanding the ship, STLFC’s roster heading into the 2018 season  features plenty of new faces as well as some familiar ones too.

Christian Volesky, Austin Ledbetter and Tony Walls return from last season’s squad as well as STLFC Academy products Aedan Stanley, and Jack Maher.

Sam Fink is also back with Saint Louis FC this season. The Edwardsville High graduate played more than 50 matches with STLFC over the 2015 and 2016 seasons before playing with Oklahoma City Energy FC last season.

Newcomers for 2018 include Albert Dikwa, Webster Groves High product Tomas Gomez,  Phanuel Kavita, Sean Reynolds, Austin Martz,  Corey Hertzog and Jonathan Barden.

Reynolds, Barden and Fink are expected to anchor a strong back line of defense for Pulis.

Another newcomer, Jake Fenalson, will likely start in goal tonight for Pulis. Gomez suffered an injury in training and will likely be out until at least May.

Listen To The This Is Silly! Podcast

To get ready for tonight’s match be sure to listen to the latest episode of the This Is Silly! podcast. 

The podcast is hosted by three members of supporters group  the St. Louligans. The group was recently featured by The Riverfront Times as one of the top ways to meet people in St. Louis. 

The St. Louligans host a tailgate party before every home contest and watch parties for each away game. The group’s tailgates feature a Charity Du Jour program that raises money for a different cause each week. In STLFC’s first three seasons the program has raised more than $44,000.

Speaking of watch parties, those have a new home. Tonight’s watch party will be held at Kirkwood Station Brewing.

Tickets On Sale Now For March 31 Home Opener

After away matches this weekend and next, the team returns home on March 31 to face the Colorado Springs Switchbacks. Kickoff for the opener at Toyota Stadium is set for 4:30 PM.

Tickets for the Saturday, March 31 match start at $18 and can be purchased online at SaintLouisFC.com.

Season Opener Can Be Seen On KPLR 11

Beginning with tonight’s season opener, ten Saint Louis FC away matches this season will be shown locally on KPLR 11.

All USL matches this season will again be streamed for free on YouTube.

Stream tonight’s season opener against the Rio Grande Valley FC  Toros below.

Saint Louis FC vs Rio Grande Valley FC Toros

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Ryan

Ryan is a weird dude. He doesn't cook, yet owns a plethora of kitchen gadgets. He rationalized buying a SodaStream while unemployed. He counts Step Up 2: The Streets as one of his favorite movies along with Footloose, Rent, Grease and Paul Blart: Mall Cop. He loves Mizzou but only wants them in the SEC so he can tailgate in Nashville. He owns a ShakeWeight and AbLounger, but still loves him some John Donut and Billie's Fine Foods. You can get more of Ryan at iLoveSoulard.com or just check the stool on the far end of the bar at iTap in Soulard.

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