Major League Soccer was back in action Sunday night after a month-long break, to the rejoicing of all 29 clubs – arguably none more than St. Louis CITY SC.
Riding a dream inaugural 2023 regular season all the way to the top of the Western Conference standings, the expansion side seemingly lost momentum during the Leagues Cup pause. The danger of a hangover following their group stage exit, courtesy of losses to the Columbus Crew and Liga MX powerhouse Club América, was only exacerbated by having to go nearly four weeks without playing an official match.
But there was no evidence of rust or hesitation in St. Louis’ league return, as they romped to a 6-3 win over Austin FC at CITYPARK and quieted any talk of them loosening their grip on first place – which currently stands at seven points clear of second-place LAFC.
“The pressure of not playing [in MLS] for five weeks, there needs to be a release,” said head coach Bradley Carnell postmatch. “And I saw a nice release from our players tonight within our principles.”
Chief among said principals was a dominant attack that saw St. Louis put up six goals, with Nicolas Gioacchini (45+2’, 50’) and Sam Adeniran (72’, 90+5’) striking for a brace apiece, while Tim Parker (22’) and Tomas Ostrak (88') also added their names on the scoresheet.
“We came out the blocks flying and just showing our ruthlessness. And the mentality, and the commitment to the style of play,” Carnell. “And then I have to give my players praise, to endure these conditions and to play the way we do.”
St. Louis could have won by an even more flattering scoreline, but conceded a pair of last-minute goals before adding two late tallies of their own to keep the blowout intact.
“Whether you win 3-0 or 6-3, I think it was a great evening for the fans and obviously we’ll look at things and try to repair the goals we conceded and some late chances,” Carnell stated. “Other than that, very happy with that today.”
Competition for minutes
Gioacchini, who reached 10 goals on the season with his brace to join a tie for sixth place in the Golden Boot presented by Audi race, was more self-critical and regretted wasting the chance to end the night with a hat-trick.
“I think I got too comfortable and I wasn't killer enough. So I'm not very happy about that,” the 23-year-old forward said in a postmatch interview with MLS 360. “But yeah, I'm trying to go in each game, trying to score goals, trying to help my team win. I'm trying to win MLS Cup. That's my goal.”
Gioacchini, along with striking partner Adeniran, has performed solidly up top amid the long-term absence of Designated Player João Klauss, who’s nearing a return from a quad injury suffered in April.
More options in attack mean more difficult decisions for Carnell as he looks to guide St. Louis to an Audi MLS Cup Playoffs berth with just 10 matches remaining.
"It’s up to us now to manage the group and manage expectations and keep guys, you know, sort of modest and grounded and humble," Carnell said.
"This project is far more important than me and any other player."
