CITY SC Posse is back for Episode 15, and for once, we are talking about a win. Weird, right?
St. Louis CITY SC went on the road in the U.S. Open Cup, survived an ugly first hour against the Chicago Fire, conceded first again, and then somehow flipped the match with the help of actual useful substitutions. Eduard Löwen came on, Makai Joyner brought energy, Thomas Totland followed the play, and suddenly CITY looked like a team that remembered soccer is allowed to be fun.
Was it beautiful? Absolutely not. Was it deserved? Debatable. Did we care once the final whistle blew? Also no. It was survive and advance, baby.
But the bigger question is whether this was a one-off or the beginning of a much-needed tactical adjustment. Damet actually made earlier subs. Löwen looked calm, creative, and dangerous. Joyner gave the attack speed and directness. Totland keeps showing he can bring value in advanced spots. Meanwhile, the forward group still has plenty of questions, CITY keeps conceding first, and the first half against Chicago was roughly as exciting as reading printer instructions.
Then we turn to Austin. CITY is still chasing its first MLS road win, Austin is beatable, and the schedule is finally starting to look a little less like punishment from the soccer gods. If CITY really is better than its record, this is the match where they need to prove it. No more moral victories. No more “good effort.” No more pretending a draw is a personality.
Also discussed: Sunday afternoon soccer, leftover birthday party pizza and wings, outdoor TV plans, betting angles, why Löwen needs a full half, and whether this Open Cup run might be the thing that keeps the season alive.
Listen now at http://NFNPPOD.com and wherever you get podcasts.
