Saint Louis Football Club has announced the first player signing in club history, welcoming Mike Ambersley back to his hometown for the 2015 USL PRO season.
“After I heard the club’s vision, I was very interested and had a decision to make,” Ambersley said. “Given that St. Louis is my hometown, I feel like it’s the right time for me to come home and play for Saint Louis FC. Not only is it exciting to be able to play in front of famly and friends, but it’s also exciting to be a part of a club with big ambitions.”
Last season, Ambersley played for Indy Eleven in the North American Soccer League (NASL), scoring six goals in 26 appearances.
Previously, the St. Louis native was a member of the NASL’s Tampa Bay Rowdies (formerly FC Tampa Bay) from 2011-2013. During his first season with Tampa Bay, Ambersley led the team with 19 goals and was named to the NASL Best XI Team. The following season, he helped the Rowdies to the 2012 NASL Championship.
“Mike is an incredibly competitive guy who will be the perfect anchor for a young team looking to succeed,” STL FC Head Coach Dale Schilly said. “Mike’s obvious attributes are his abilities in the final third of the field, but equally important is his professionalism. He holds himself to the highest standard and holds his teammates to the same expectation.”
Ambersley also expressed excitement in the opportunity to be reunited with his former coach, having played for Schilly with AC St. Louis in 2010.
“Getting the chance to play for Dale again was a big part of my decision,” Ambersley said. “He’s one of the best coaches I’ve ever played for, and I know what he expects from his players.
Ambersley graduated from De Smet Jesuit High School in St. Louis in 2001, where he earned All-American honors and was named Missouri Gatorade Player of the Year for the 2000 season.
After moving to the collegiate ranks, Ambersley was named the Co-Big Ten Freshman of the Year during his first season at Indiana University. He also helped lead the Hoosiers to the 2004 NCAA National Championship.
“Mike is a great guy for our younger players to work with to develop their own good habits,” Schilly added. “For our supporters, he is a tireless worker who puts himself in great positions to score goals. It’s great to have Mike back in St. Louis.”
