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A dramatic extra time finish gave Saint Louis FC a 2-1 victory over Des Moines Menace in a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup 2nd Round match on Wednesday night at World Wide Technology Soccer Park.
“I thought our guys really battled,” Head Coach Dale Schilly said. “We were a little shaky in the beginning, but I thought we settled down after that. We showed grittiness to get that result.”
With the win, Saint Louis moves on to face NASL side Minnesota United FC next Wednesday at the Soccer Park. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Forward Bryan Gaul put the hosts ahead with a goal in the 68th minute. Midfielder Parker Maher played a ball over the top to find Gaul, who chipped goalkeeper Paul Blanchette to put STL FC on top 1-0. It was Gaul’s second goal in as many games.
The Menace, playing with ten men, found an equalizer in the 85th minute. After Saint Louis defender Chad Vandegriffe was whistled for pulling down a Des Moines attacker in the penalty area, midfielder Chris Hellmann stepped up to convert the spot kick to level the score at 1-1.
The match headed to extra time, where Jermie Lynch would score the game-winner in his first game back from a two-game suspension.
In the 97th minute, defender James Musa sent a cross into Lynch, who headed it off the cross bar. The Jamaican then followed the rebound to head home the eventual match-winner.
“Des Moines are a very good team adn we’re really happy to move on,” Schilly added. “We’re looking forward to playing Minnesota.”
Saint Louis FC will be back in action when it hosts Louisville City FC on Sunday in USL Regular Season action. Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM.
