Feb. 25 (2023)

CITY made St. Louis soccer history with a stunning Major League Soccer debut at Austin, a conference playoff semifinalist in 2022. CITY’s high-pressure counterattacks netted two goals, including the winner with 4 minutes left. With the game tied 2–2, striker João Klauss scored on a counterattack started by a pass from Eduard Löwen to Nicholas Gioacchini. Gioacchini sent the ball to Klauss. Moving to the right of Austin’s goal, Klauss reversed direction by pushing the ball with his right foot behind his left, leaving behind Austin defender and St. Louis native Kipp Keller. Klauss shot with the outside of his right foot off the far post and into the net. The distinction of scoring CITY’s first goal went to Tim Parker, who headed in Löwen’s corner kick in the 24th minute. CITY’s second goal came from Jared Stroud, who capitalized on an Austin giveaway near its goal in the 78th minute. Read more about this game, and the record-setting first season for CITY in “Year One” by Dave Lange, available now from Reedy Press.