With only five matches left in the regular season, I was finally able to attend my very first St. Louis CITY SC match. Currently ranked #1 in the Western Conference, CITY SC took on LAFC, who are ranked #2. Although it ended in a nil-nil tie, and I wasn’t able to see a goal, it was a great experience. To top it off, the match resulted in the first ever playoff berth for the newest MLS club!
The CITY SC website alerted its fans to the wonderful news, “St. Louis CITY SC Clinch 2023 Audi MLS Cup Playoff Berth. In their Inaugural Season, expansion side St. Louis CITY SC have clinched a trip to the 2023 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs! Congratulations to CITY players, coaches, staff and fans, on making history in America’s First Soccer CITY!”
My friend, Sarah, and I met at the Schlafly Tap Room across the street from CITYPARK to pay a visit to the pre-match street party featuring the St. Louligans supporter group, among others. We then strolled across the street and around the front of the stadium where a Hispanic Heritage Celebration was well underway.
We made our way into the stadium, and I walked down to the pitch to snap a few photos from ground level. We made a nearly complete circle around the stadium to take in all the detail. The variety of dining options is very impressive. Colorful CITY SC merchandise abounds.
As the first female majority-owned team in Major League Soccer, and I can’t explain exactly why, there’s something different, and better, about the organization. The club heavily promotes inclusivity. During our stroll around the stadium, Sarah and I were treated to loud speaker announcements informing us of the CITYPARK Fan Code of Conduct by which we were expected to behave. That was very refreshing.
As early birds, we were among the first to arrive at our seats where we soaked in the party atmosphere. A dazzling light show welcomed the players onto the pitch, and the match got underway. The best part (for me) was watching Defender, Tim Parker, and Goalkeeper, Roman Bürki, in action. They’re both ever so dreamy.
We stayed well after the end of the match, watched the players take a lap around the stadium, and caught Sarah’s favorite, Midfielder, Eduard Löwen, signing autographs for fans (shirtless). Then we strolled back to the car in a light rain. It was perfect. 😊
