Saint Louis FC Tops Switchbacks In 2018 Home Opener
Ryan
Greig Scores Lone Goal In 1-0 Saint Louis FC Win Saturday At Soccer Park
Kyle Greig recorded the lone goal Saturday to give Saint Louis FC a 1-0 win over the Colorado Springs Switchbacks at Toyota Stadium at World Wide Technology Soccer Park in Fenton.
While the weather cooperated during the match, the St. Louis area was drenched with rain and gloomy conditions for much of the day Saturday. The 4,034 fans who played the odds and made their way to Soccer Park were treated relatively clear and crisp weather during the match.
By taking the three points STLFC evened its record at 1-1-1 on the season. Saturday’s match was the first of the season at home for the team and the start of a three-match homestand.
Saint Louis FC is back at home this Saturday against Fresno FC and April 14 against LA Galaxy II. Kickoff for both matches is set for 7:30 PM at Toyota Stadium in Fenton.
Tickets can be purchased in advance online at SaintLouisFC.com or by calling 636-680-0997.
Reynolds And Greig Earn Man of the Match Honors
Saint Louis FC’s Sean Reynolds was named the USLSoccer.com Man of the Match. thanks largely to a game-saving tackle late in the match.
In the 81st minute, an errant header by STLFC defender Kyle Culbertson back to goalkeeperJake Fenalson was tipped by a Switchbacks forward into the penalty area. The visitor had an open net to shoot at when Reynolds came sliding in. The players ended up in a heap on the ground, but it was Reynolds who bounced up and took possession of the ball and ended the scoring threat.
Kyle Greig was named the Pleats Man of the Match by fans after the game. The 28-year old Wisconsin native has scored two of the team’s three goals this season through three games.
Greig ran onto a ball played from midfield by teammate Lewis Hilton in the 4th minute. As you can see from the GIF below, Greig’s defender was caught completely off-guard when he sprinted for the ball. The STLFC forward’s first touch on the ball resulted in a beautiful high, arcing shot over the Switchbacks goalkeeper as he was caught out of the net by Greig’s run.
Pulis Notches First Win In St. Louis
Saturday’s win was the first in St. Louis for head coach Anthony Pulis. Pulis took over for the departed Preki during the offseason. Preki is now an assistant coach with the Seattle Sounders of MLS.
The head coach was pleased with the atmosphere at Soccer Park over the weekend and the majority of his team’s performance. Plus still stressed the need for improvement in his postgame comments.
“It was fantastic to experience the atmosphere tonight and I’m delighted for everyone involved with the club,” said STLFC Head Coach Anthony Pulis. “In patches I thought we were good, in patches not so good. I would have liked to press for another goal as there seemed be goals available, and the decision-making in the middle of the field needs to get better, but I’ll take the shutout and win and look forward to the next game against Fresno FC.”
Check back to RealLifeSTL later in the week for a preview of Saturday’s match with Fresno FC at Soccer Park.
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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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