Collinsville, IL was the site for the first training session for Dale Schilly’s squad as they prepare for the 2016 United Soccer League season. With ongoing repairs to the facility in Fenton the team had to cross the river for their first get together before travelling to Charleston, SC for some warm weather training later this month.
“We’ve had two long days of meetings, preparation, headshots and all those things, so to finally get out and let the guys run around was important.” Schilly said. “I thought there was a great spirit, which you expect. I thought there were a lot of good voices and communication, which you don’t necessarily expect from a group of guys coming together for the first time. All in all, I thought it was pretty good.”
STLFC brought back 14 core squad players from last years season that ended brightly despite missing out on the playoffs. New signing Chad Bond was impressed with the team; “They’re a good bunch of lads, we’re excited to get going, there is a buzz around the squad and I like what I’ve seen so far, good touches and a lot of skill out there.”
Chad Bond training with Saint Louis FC, February 17th 2016
Bond, a native of South Wales in the UK, comes to Saint Louis with plenty of USL experience having previously played for Sacramento Republic and more latterly captained Tulsa last season.
Further signing announced this morning is standout Irvin Herrera from Santa Tecla of El Salvador. Herrera scored 25 goals for Santa Tecla and has scored in the CONCACAF Champions League and is a full El Salvadorian international [10 caps] with a goal against St Kitts in current World Cup qualification.
“He’s exactly what we need.” stated Schilly. “We are excited to have Irvin join the club. He has a striker’s mentality and his interpretation of the position is in line with how Saint Louis FC will be defined this year. Fans can expect a hard working, attacking player who is passionate about scoring goals and winning.”
Irvin Herrera in action during training for Saint Louis FC, February 17th 2016
Saint Louis FC have yet to finalize their roster and preseason schedule for 2016, however are confirmed to play Charleston Battery at MUSC stadium in Charleston on February 27th and will take on NASL stalwart Indy Eleven on March 16th at Arad McCutchan Stadium in Evansville Indiana kick off 7:30pm.
