Soccer in America relies heavily on the foundations built by past generations, a tradition deeply felt in St. Louis as St. Louis City SC prepares for the first Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup final in club history against the Columbus Crew on Wednesday.
A Rich History in the Competition
Although many modern observers might not have anticipated an MLS side from the region reaching the Open Cup final, the greater St. Louis area boasts a storied history in the tournament. The last local team to lift the trophy was the Busch Seniors, who triumphed in 1988 following the city’s first final appearance in 1920. Former Busch Seniors goalkeeper Jeff Robben noted that given the vast financial and competitive differences between modern professional leagues and amateur sides of the past, he never expected another St. Louis team to reach these heights after the introduction of USL and MLS clubs.
It has been 38 years since the area last witnessed an Open Cup championship. St. Louis City SC was founded in 2019 and began play in 2023 with financial backing from local enterprises Enterprise Holdings and World Wide Technology.
European Roots and Early Success
Soccer’s deep roots in St. Louis often trace back to Catholic parish teams, where children played soccer and baseball depending on the season. Joe Olwig, former head coach of the Busch Seniors, explained that soccer historically thrived because it was inexpensive for parents, requiring little more than a ball, spikes, and gym shorts. This grassroots accessibility helped shape a sporting culture distinct from other parts of the United States.
Driven by the immigration history of Irish, Scottish, German, and Italian families, soccer in St. Louis developed a strong European flair. Players were routinely scouted and recruited by stronger local sides, a system that fueled both Open Cup triumphs and national team selections. St. Louis was well represented on the United States squad at the 1950 World Cup, long before the establishment of the North American Soccer League and Major League Soccer.
David Versus Goliath Moments
Following the NASL era, St. Louis Kutis SC captured the Open Cup in 1986, followed two years later by the Busch Seniors defeating the San Francisco Greek Americans. Tim Loughman, a defender on the 1988 squad, recalled the confidence and diversity of talent that propelled the team forward despite facing formidable opponents.
Following their Open Cup victory, the Busch Seniors qualified for the Concacaf Champions Cup, where they faced Chivas Guadalajara. St. Louis secured a historic win in the home leg at World Wide Technology Soccer Park before traveling to Mexico for the return fixture. Although several players could not take time off work to make the trip, resulting in an 8-0 defeat in the second leg at Jalisco Stadium, Loughman described the run as an incredible experience that showcased the caliber of local soccer.
Chasing a New Chapter
Local corporate backing has long been vital to soccer in St. Louis and the broader United States. Author Dave Lange, who penned St. Louis Soccer: An Illustrated Timeline, expressed admiration for the current squad’s style of play, praising its ball movement, passing, and finishing as the best he has witnessed locally in years.
For 36-year-old coach Yoann Damet, reaching the final represents a major milestone for a club still building its identity. Damet emphasized the unique history and importance of the competition, viewing the final as an opportunity to secure the club’s first major piece of silverware. The team will have to navigate the final without star striker Rafael Navarro, who is cup-tied.
Squad changes have tested fan loyalty, particularly following the departures of popular figures such as Eduard Löwen and Klauss. However, Lange noted that the front office has successfully reinforced the roster with acquisitions like Navarro, Carlo Holse, and Alexandru Matan, transforming the team into a competitive force under Damet.
Olwig observed that the work ethic, blue-collar mentality, and team-oriented approach of this year’s squad serve as a direct throwback to the historic era of St. Louis soccer. St. Louis City SC will look to add a new chapter to the city’s storied soccer legacy when they take the pitch against the Columbus Crew.
Source: CBS Sports Headlines
