On a murky evening in St Louis, it would take a goal born on the local playing fields to break the deadlock against Wilmington Hammerheads on Saturday. Saint Louis FC got just that as natives Mike Roach and Sam Fink connected together off a Roach corner and Fink header to power STLFC up the eastern conference USL table with a 1-0 win.
The goal was important on so many levels, granted it brought the win, but it was a win at home in front of their own fans which had become elusive for the two previous games at WWT park. The goal was important as it propels Saint Louis up the USL standings, granted still early in the season but puts them as the highest first year expansion team in the east.
“Am I satisfied? No. I’d like to be undefeated” stated coach Dale Schilly. “I have to be proud of what we’ve built here though. These players work so hard they deserve this.”
The win also is important for keeping the momentum going from the victory two weeks ago in Oklahoma City. The games are going to come thick and fast now and with success and the first few home games being sold out, this team could become the hottest ticket in town this summer.
The game itself was a battle. Wilmington entered the field coming off a 4-0 home humiliation last week and were looking to restore some pride. They kept their discipline for so long and made life difficult for the hosts. STLFC keeper Alec Kann was called to make some excellent saves to keep the Hammerheads at bay but sometimes you need everything to go your way, and last night the Saints work ethic paid off eventually as they caught the break they needed as the only time the Wilmington defense switched off Edwardsville’s own Fink was able to win Saint Louis the game.
Saint Louis (3-1-2 10 points) will host Toronto FC 2 (1-1-4 4 points) on Thursday May 14th at 7pm. tickets available at www.saintlouisfc.com
Photograph via Mark Guthrel
