3.30.2025

Title: STL City SC vs. Austin FC - Match Review (3/30/2025)

The atmosphere at CITYPARK on March 30th, 2025, was electric, but unfortunately, the on-field tactics left many fans—including myself—scratching our heads. What could’ve been a statement match turned into a frustrating 0-1 loss, largely due to an overly defensive lineup and a baffling delay in unleashing our offensive weapons. Let’s break it down.

An Ultra-Defensive Setup: Five Center-Backs, Really?

From the moment the lineup dropped, it was clear that STL City SC was prioritizing defense above all else. But five natural center-backs? That’s not just cautious—that’s an overcorrection. Yes, keeping a clean sheet at home is important, which we did not even do. But this felt like we were playing not to lose, rather than to win.

We started with Nilsson, Kessler, Hiebert, Yaro, and Horn—five players whose primary roles revolve around stopping goals, not creating them. This backline-heavy approach completely clogged our transition play and isolated our midfielders. It neutered any creativity or spark we hoped to build through the center of the pitch.

It’s worth asking: Who were we afraid of? Austin FC came in struggling on offense, with an average of less than 1 goal per game. Yet, we treated them like LAFC on a playoff night. Instead of dictating the pace, we ceded possession and tempo. Our defensive shape may have been solid, but at what cost?

Where Was the Attack?

With five defenders behind the ball and 1 attacking midfielder pulling strings, the front line was left on an island. Too often, opportunities to play the ball forward turned into back passes, and the crowd was not happy. Becher received very little meaningful service and spent most of his time just wandering around aimlessly after it was clear that his runs in behind were never going to get the service.

My kids started getting frustrated any time the ball would be at Wallem or Hiebert's feet because they knew the next pass would be a backward pass, and the entire game would stall.  Neither winger seemed interested in progressing the ball forward, just keeping possession at all costs.  

Hartel did his best trying to be creative, but the team was trying to keep 8 (plus Lundt) behind the ball while in possession, which only left Becher to try and make something on the night.  But he was easily double or triple-teamed because Austin only had Hartel and Becher to worry about, with the rest staying so deep.

The Substitutions Came Too Late

Here’s where things really boiled over: the delayed introduction of Joao Klauss and Celio Pompeu. Klauss is our talisman—our target man, our attacking identity. Celio? The heartbeat of our flair. Yet both sat on the bench far too long while we sat back in our defensive end… at HOME.

When they finally did come on, the entire energy of the match shifted. Klauss immediately gave the backline something to think about. His hold-up play allowed us to bring others into the attack. Celio’s pace and creativity gave Austin’s defenders fits. For the first time all night, we looked dangerous, albeit with less than 30 minutes remaining.

But by then, the momentum window had shrunk. Austin had settled into their own rhythm, and despite a few late flurries in the box, it was too little, too late. You can’t expect to win matches when your two most effective attacking threats only play for less than 30 minutes.

Positives? Few, But Not None

Let’s be fair: defensively, we were solid. Kessler was a rock at the back, and Ben Lundt made a couple of key saves to keep the game within reach. The discipline and positioning were there—our shape rarely broke down.

And while the match won’t be featured in any highlight reels, we can be solid in defense, but it seems to take an excessive amount of defenders. That’s a foundation we can build on—but only if we learn to balance it with the attacking identity that made us so exciting in 2023.

Final Thoughts: Let’s Be Bold Again

STL City SC made its mark by playing bold, fast, pressing soccer. This ultra-defensive approach doesn’t suit us. It might grind out points, but it doesn’t win over fans or inspire belief. With talent like Klauss and Celio available, we need to start showing intent from the opening whistle.

Playing five center-backs at home is a message. And sadly, the message was: we’re afraid to lose. We need to get back to sending a different message—one of ambition, fearlessness, and attacking football that puts opponents on their heels and fans on their feet.

Let’s hope next time, we see that fire from the very first minute, especially at Sporting KC.