DULUTH, Mn. – Saint Louis won 2-0 away to Duluth FC (NPSL) in Round 2 of the U.S. Open Cup to advance to Round 3 against Louisville City FC next Wednesday, May 23rd at 6:00 p.m. CT at Lynn Stadium.
Saint Louis FC opened the scoring in the 25th minute when Corey Hertzog played Kadeem Dacres into space and he finished low in the corner for his first goal of the season. Dacres would return the favor in the 35th minute as he supplied the cross for Hertzog to head over the Duluth goalkeeper for his second goal of the season.
The first half saw Saint Louis FC dominate with 72% possession and 10 shots registered, including two efforts from STLFC Academy product Aedan Stanley in the 11th and 20th minutes. The away side would unlock the defense in the 25th minute as Hertzog nutmegged a defender with his pass to find Dacres and he finished the opportunity in the corner of the goal. STLFC would double their lead soon after in the 35th minute as Dacres found himself with time on the left side and he crossed the ball for Hertzog to calmly flick his header over the goalkeeper to take the 2-0 advantage into the halftime interval.
The second half saw Saint Louis FC continue to dominate possession and create chances with most of the action in the attacking third of the field. However, none of the chances were converted and STLFC limited the opportunities for Duluth FC to see out the victory and progress to the next round of the U.S. Open Cup.
“I thought the mentality the players showed to get the job done was first class,” said STLFC Head Coach Anthony Pulis. “The preparation, travel and facilities were far from ideal but the guys showed again what a fantastic group of men we’ve got. They will get some time to recover this weekend from what’s been a tough stretch of games before we head into another four games in 12 days starting next Wednesday at Louisville.”
UPCOMING GAMES:
Saint Louis FC vs. Louisville City FC – Wednesday, May 23rd at 6:00 p.m. CT at Lynn Stadium
Duluth FC at La Crosse Aris FC – Saturday, May 19th at 6:00 p.m. CT at Viterbo Sports Complex
