(Photo Courtesy of Saint Louis FC)
Saint Louis FC couldn’t get the offense working in its inaugural game against Louisville City FC at Slugger Field on Saturday falling 2-0.
The match started out with Saint Louis dictating the tempo and creating the most chances on net. Following the preseason finale victory over Tulsa the team appears to be working much better together.
Jamiel Hardware showed an early tenacity attacking the box with authority, but failed to get a quality shot on goalkeeper Scott Goodwin. Patrick Doody had the best opportunity of the match around the 12’ mark as he sent a nice cross into the box, but the Louisville defense was there to disrupt the chance.
Louisville came back on the counter attack in the 23’ as Magnus Rassmusen snuck past the Saint Louis back line and slotted a shot past Saint Louis keeper Mark Pais to give Louisville City a 1-0 lead.
Following the goal Louisville controlled the tempo throughout the remainder of the game. Once the opening game jitters had worn off Louisville buckled down defensively and hardly gave Saint Louis any quality opportunities.
Louisville City extended its lead in the 67’ after a cross bounced out to the top of the box to Charlie Adams. Adams ripped a 20-yard shot that found the top corner to put Louisville up 2-0.
Jermie Lynch picked up a late yellow card in the 71’ and Saint Louis was unable to capitalize on a few last minute opportunities as Louisville City FC came away with a 2-0 victory.
Though Saint Louis was unable to grab a victory or even put away a goal the team has certainly improved its overall chemistry. Hardware and Bryan Gaul had a number of looks on net, but the Louisville defense was just too much to crack.
The team will look to even up its record when as they travel to a familiar opponent in the Tulsa Roughnecks on Thursday April 2 at 7:00 PM CT.
For continued coverage of STLFC be sure to follow Arch City Sports on Facebook and Twitter. For game info and stadium policies ahead of the April 11 home opener be sure to check out the teams website at www.saintlouisfc.com
For more Saint Louis FC updates follow @NickYahl on Twitter.
