After Wednesdays bad result in Montreal, Saint Louis FC rallied to end the Canadian leg of their fixtures with a hard fought win at the Ontario Soccer Centre against Toronto FC 2 on Saturday evening.
Nick Bibbs, starting for the first time after injury at right back was the standout performer and it was his play on the right wing that eventually led to the breakthrough. Bibbs beat Mark-Anthony Kaye before drilling a low cross along the 6 yard box in which Toronto FC defender Marcus Godinho was helpless but to divert the ball into his own net in the 40th minute.
The first half was especially bright for Saint Louis, who dominated possession in arguably their best 45 minutes of soccer since the Minnesota United Open Cup game back in May. After the 5-2 loss in Montreal this win showed the character of the team and their ability to regroup and bounce back. “In the first half, we were very good in the front half of the field. We dictated the tempo of the game and created quality chances,” Head Coach Dale Schilly said. “In the second half, we stayed very organized and defended really well. It was a well earned three points.”
In the second half, Toronto gained more of a foothold in the game as they sought out an equalizer, however Saint Louis FC were able to whether the storm and close the game out with Alec Kann looking impressive in net with 5 saves. Kentaro Takada running himself into the ground had another impressive display for the 32 year old midfielder. With James Musa dropping back into his favored central defensive position, it was Brandon Barklage and Jacob Bushue looking more assured in the holding roles behind Takada, Gaul and Ambersley which led to keeping the lead until the end.
“In the first half, we were very good in the front half of the field. We dictated the tempo of the game and created quality chances,” Head Coach Dale Schilly said. “In the second half, we stayed very organized and defended really well. It was a well earned three points.”
This win for Schilly has to be especially pleasing as the win in Toronto reverses the 2-1 loss STLFC suffered at the hands of the same team at the home fixture back in early May at World Wide Technology Soccer Park in Fenton.
This victory moves STL upto 8th in the Eastern Conference with 21 points, still 2 places below the playoff picture but with near neighbors Charlotte, Harrisburg and Pittsburgh losing ground yesterday it’s all to play for going into the final stretch of the season.
Saint Louis next plays Oklahoma City Energy on Saturday night at home, kick off is slated for 7:30pm and tickets are still available at www.saintlouisfc.com
Picture via Toronto FC 2
