CITY2 to Host Rochester New York FC in the First-Ever Official MLS NEXT Pro Match
It is finally here. St Louis CITY2’s long-awaited match vs. Rochester New York FC will take place at 7:00 p.m. CT this Friday, March 25 at Hermann Stadium (Saint Louis University). Major League Soccer (MLS) is still roughly one year away for St. Louis’ expansion team, but CITY2 will bring professional soccer back to the region with their involvement in the MLS NEXT Pro league.
STL CITY2 is the next step after St. Louis CITY’s academy and will serve to complete the player pathway, by providing young players with the opportunity to gain valuable experience practicing and playing alongside and against professional players.
Announced in early February, STL CITY2’s roster boasts a good mix of youth and experienced players. In all, six academy players have been promoted to the development team with the other 19 players joining the roster from various high schools, colleges, and professional teams. With any new team, it takes time for the unit to gel and build chemistry, which the team had a chance to work on during preseason.
Led by head coach John Hackworth, STL CITY2 opened their preseason schedule in Florida against MLS side FC Cincinnati and fellow MLS NEXT Pro team Philadelphia Union II. Despite showing good flashes of play, they were unable to secure a win in both games. Since then, the team went on a seven-game unbeaten run, winning their last four matches of preseason ahead of the MLS NEXT Pro opener this Friday.
STL CITY2 will look to start the season with a win in front of a sold-out venue but will have to go through an eager Rochester New York FC team who will be playing their first official match since 2017.
Know Before You Go
If you’re going to the match, learn more about mobile ticking, parking, bag policies, and everything you need to know ahead of the MLS NEXT Pro kickoff at stlcitysc.com/city2/matchday.
All ticketed fans in attendance will be eligible to receive a new badge in the official STL CITY App and the first 2,000 fans will receive a limited-edition CITY Red rally towel.
How To Watch
Though tickets are currently unavailable for purchase, fans who are interested in watching the inaugural STL CITY2 match vs. Rochester New York FC will be able to watch it live on mlsnextpro.com. The match can also be heard locally on the radio on KTRS (550 AM) and the Spanish version of the broadcast can be heard on Líder Sports Media.
To learn more about STL CITY2 players, please find all player bios, headshots, and team information here. To stay up to date on all things St. Louis CITY SC, download the official team app and follow the club on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
