In the first time in the modern MLS era, a team from Saint Louis will play a competitive game against their cross state rivals in Kansas City on Tuesday evening.
In this, the fourth round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. It will be a welcome diversion for Saint Louis FC as they have stuttered recently in USL play having tied their past four league games. The latest was another 1-1 come from behind victory over Harrisburg City Islanders, reminiscent of the recent draw against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. Coach Dale Schilly understands there are no easy games in this league. He stated of his team after the game. “I think it shows the quality of the league, I also think this game once again showed the character and guts of our guys.”
It was an equalizer made in Edwardsville, IL as Sam Fink scored his second of the season with a bullet header after an hour from a Charles Renken cross.
Renken has been on fire recently being involved or scoring in STLFC’s last 4 goals. He’ll look to continue the good form on Tuesday against MLS opponents. Patrick Doody, who was sorely missed at left back on Saturday will be back after being called up for the Chicago Fire game at New England.
Sporting KC come into the game with the Saints after an impressive 1-0 victory over Seattle Sounders on June 6th and currently lie in third place in the MLS western conference with 6 wins and 6 ties and 2 losses on the season. Saint Louis FC are 7th in USL eastern conference with 3 wins, 5 ties and 3 losses.
Picture via Mark Guthrel/Saint Louis FC.
