STL CITY Puts 8 Past Minnesota United U17s to Remain Unbeaten at Home in MLS Next
St. Louis CITY’s U17 team wrapped up their fall MLS NEXT season with a huge 8-0 win against Minnesota United U17s. STL CITY got off to a bright start and never looked back when Nathan Ferguson curled in a left-footed shot in the second minute of the match.
The boys maintained their strong start and their high press proved to be a tough challenge for Minnesota, as they struggled to get out of their own half. After winning the ball back in midfield, Miguel Perez was fouled as he played in a lovely ball to Ferguson, prompting the referee to award STL CITY a freekick just outside the 18-yard box. The in-form Ferguson stood over the ball and lifted a beautiful shot in the top corner of the net, to give STL CITY a two-goal lead after nine minutes.
Following the goal, you got the impression that it was no longer a matter of if the boys would win the match but how much they would win it by. Although they were dominating possession for large spells, their intensity was unwavering as they piled the pressure on the Minnesota backline in search of another goal. The team’s pressure was rewarded in the 18th minute when Anthony Faupel poked the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper following a lobbed pass over the top from Nolan McGuire. Despite having a three-goal cushion, there was no letting up from the boys as they continued generating waves after waves of attack while denying any clear-cut chances from the opposition. STL CITY would add another goal in the 42nd minute through Perez who hustled and bustled his way through the Minnesota defense to hand the team a four-goal advantage at the half.
STL CITY made a few substitutions at the halftime break as they looked to continue their momentum following an impressive first half performance. Braydon Sellers was one of the players who came on and he wasted no time putting his footprint on the game. After winning back the ball in the midfield, Perez launched a counterattack with the ball eventually finding Sellers who added his name to the scoresheet just four minutes into the restart.
As the game continued Minnesota created a few half chances but couldn’t capitalize due to STL CITY’s sturdy defensive structure. Two minutes after the hour mark, Ferguson grabbed his hattrick and STL CITY’s sixth goal by rounding the goalkeeper before slotting home into an open net. Eight minutes later, Jacob Lusignan fired home from the penalty spot before Aaron Heard got in on the action with a controlled volley in the 87th minute, to seal another emphatic home win.
“I thought we did a great job executing our playing style from the start of the match,” said Andreas Schumacher, St. Louis CITY Academy Head Coach. “I told the guys before the game that it is important to focus on us and how we can continue to get better every game. Overall, I’m happy with the performance but also delighted we could get another win in front of our home fans.”
MATCHDAY NOTES – STARTING XI
U17
Harrison Engel, Joshua Maher, Mikey Lay, Nolan McGuire, Brian Franco, Miguel Perez, Anthony Faupel, Fritz Volmar, Aaron Heard, Nathan Ferguson, Mason Beck
To learn more about the academy, find player bios and rosters here. Stay up to date on all things St. Louis CITY SC by downloading the official team app and follow the club on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
