The St. Louis Ambush have re-signed veteran defender and native St. Louisan Chris Mattingly for the 2018-19 season, CEO Shelly Clark announced today. Per league and team policies, terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Mattingly is a veteran of nine professional arena soccer seasons, having played for the St. Louis Illusion (PASL, 2009-10), the Illinois Piasa (PASL, 2010-13) and the Ambush since the team’s inaugural 2013-14 season.
During his tenure with the Ambush, Mattingly has been named to the All-MASL second team, finished second in the league in blocked shots twice and was tied for first in that category one time. He was also named to the US squad for the MASL International Challenge game in 2017. Mattingly was limited to eight games last year due to scheduling conflicts. After some off-season adjustments, he hopes to play a bigger role in the upcoming season and contribute to the team’s success. “I’m excited to be back for another year with the Ambush and am eager to get back on the field,” Mattingly said. “The strategy Hewerton has implemented is taking the team in the right direction and I believe the results will follow this year. I’m committed to come in fit, ready to play and will give my teammates and our great fans all I can each time I step on the field.”
Growing up in St. Louis, Chris played youth soccer at St. Louis Scott Gallagher Soccer Club, and high school soccer at Chaminade. Mattingly’s collegiate career was spent at Drury University (NCAA Division 1) where he was team captain and earned the 2003-04 Defensive Player of the Year honor and the John E. Moore Award for his team leadership and dedication.
When not playing soccer, Chris keeps busy as a Medical Sales Rep and husband and dad. He and his wife Stacy reside in St. Louis with their three children, Bella, Cruz and Luca.
The Ambush will kick off their 2018-19 season in December, with their home opener slated for Sunday, December 16 at 3:05 p.m. CT at the Family Arena in St. Charles.
