The St. Louis City SC history represents a new era in American soccer, showcasing passion, teamwork, and dedication. As a club that defines St. Louis City soccer, it quickly built a strong fan base and identity. With skilled St. Louis City soccer players, the team has brought energy, excitement, and pride to Major League Soccer.
Established
2019
City
St. Louis
League History
2022 – Present / Major League Soccer
Team History
2022 – Present / St. Louis City SC
Nickname
St. Louis City SC - St. Louis City SC is set to become the newest Major League Soccer team, and with that comes a brand new nickname: St. Louligans! But where did this name come from? Let’s take a look at St. Louis City SC history.
St. Louis City SC Origin
It all started in 2018 when local soccer fans formed an independent supporters club for Saint Louis FC, the city’s USL Championship team. The group was called “The St. Louligans,” and they quickly became known as one of the most passionate fan bases in US soccer culture due to their loud singing, chanting, and other forms of support for their beloved club during games - earning them much respect among fellow fans across America (and beyond).
Two years later, MLS announced its plans for expansion into STL, including awarding an official franchise spot to our beloved hometown heroes – now known as “St. Louis City SC." It only made sense then that these loyal supporters who had been there since day one should have some say on what this new MLS squad would be nicknamed - thus leading us here today with our unique moniker: The St Louligans!
So next time you hear someone talking about STL's newest professional sports team, tell them exactly where the name came from – because, without those die-hard local supporters, none of this could have ever happened!
Championship
MLS Cups 0
Stadium
2022 – Present / St. Louis MLS Stadium
Owner
2022 - Present / Carolyn Kindle Betz, Jo Ann Taylor Kindle, Jim Kavanaugh
- 2020
- 2021
- 2021
- 2021
- 2022
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St. Louis City SC Team Formation
St. Louis City SC will begin to play in MLS in 2023, joining Sacramento as the 29th and 30th teams in the league. The team will feature the only majority female-led ownership group in Major League Soccer, led by Carolyn Kindle Betz. “St. Louis City SC is a reflection of the STLMade movement that is at the heart of everything ... -
St. Louis City club new stadium – CityPark
On March 8, 2021: The St. Louis City club breaks ground on its new stadium, CityPark, which will have a capacity of 22,500 and be located next to Union Station in Downtown St. Louis. -
The club launches its academy program – St. Louis CITY2
On May 6, 2021: The club launches its academy program, St. Louis CITY2, which will compete in MLS NEXT and USL League Two -
The club hires Bradley Carnell as its first head coach
On August 25, 2021: The club hired Bradley Carnell as its first head coach. According to the Hiring team, The new coach isn’t American or German and has no prior connection to the city. But Pfannenstiel said he represents the ideal combination of gegenpressing devotee, MLS expert, and big-project enthusiast, and he was the club’s top choice. -
St. Louis City Played its first Official MLS Match
On April 2, 2022: The St. Louis City club plays its first official match in MLS against LA Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park and loses 3–0
St. Louis City SC History
The St. Louis City SC history marks a major milestone in American soccer. Based in St. Louis, Missouri, this professional team competes in Major League Soccer (MLS). Announced on August 20, 2019, as the league’s 28th franchise, the club officially began its journey in the 2023 MLS season, representing the city’s long-standing passion for St. Louis City soccer.
The roots of St. Louis City soccer stretch back to the late 19th century. St. Louis became a member of the National Association Football League (NAFL) in 1891, making it one of America’s earliest soccer cities. Over the decades, the city has hosted several historic clubs such as Ben Millers FC, which claimed three U.S. Open Cup titles between 1933 and 1939. Teams like Simpkins Ford and Kutis SC continued to strengthen the soccer culture, contributing significantly to local and national growth.
Kutis SC’s merger with Scott Gallagher Soccer Club led to the creation of Saint Louis FC, which competed in the USL Championship until 2020. Indoor soccer also flourished through the St. Louis Steamers, a beloved team that played in the MISL and NPSL from 1979 to 1988 and briefly returned in 2001–2002. These teams and eras helped shape a deep soccer heritage that would ultimately give rise to the modern St. Louis City SC.
St. Louis Soccer Achievements
In 2018, MLS Commissioner Don Garber confirmed plans for an expansion team in St. Louis. Just a year later, St. Louis City SC was officially unveiled by co-owners Carolyn Kindle Betz and Jim Kavanaugh, with major local investors like Terry Matlack, Bill DeWitt III, and David Peacock. The club’s state-of-the-art CITYPARK stadium in downtown St. Louis was designed to bring fans closer to the action and symbolize a new chapter in St. Louis City soccer history.
The club’s debut season in MLS in 2023 was historic. St. Louis City SC became the first expansion team to win the Western Conference regular-season title in its inaugural year. The impressive performances of St. Louis City soccer players such as Roman Bürki, João Klauss, and Eduard Löwen earned national attention and established the team as a force in the league.
Continuing its rise, St. Louis City SC is building a strong foundation for long-term success. With its dedicated ownership, passionate supporters, and talented St. Louis City soccer players, the team has reignited the city’s historic connection with the sport. The St. Louis City SC history stands as a testament to resilience, unity, and the enduring love for soccer that defines the heart of St. Louis.
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history