Photo courtesy Mark Guthrel / Saint Louis FC
SAINT LOUIS, Mo. – The Saint Louis FC defense shined late as the hosts earned a point at home against the Swope Park Rangers. Saint Louis FC gained a free kick on the side of the box in the 18th minute, but Octavio Guzman’s pass was blocked away by the Swope Park defense. Emmanuel Appiah continued to make an impact in his second game for Saint Louis FC as he found space in the 45th minute and launched a ball from the top of the box just wide of the net. Swope Park was awarded a dangerous free kick in the 58th minute at the top of the box off a collision between Christian Duke and Saint Louis defender Matt Sheldon, but Mark Gonzalez launched the ball over the net as the match remained scoreless. Saint Louis FC came right back on Christian Volesky’s long run into the box. The forward came into the game in the 62nd minute and immediately made an impact, earning a penalty kick off a foul by Swope Park keeper Darrin MacLeod. Octavio Guzman lined up to take the shot, but MacLeod’s incredible diving stop held the game scoreless. Swope Park returned to the attack in the 65th minute with an odd-man opportunity deep into the offensive third. Saint Louis FC keeper Adam Grinwis came out assertively and thwarted the initial opportunity, but Lebo Moloto found the rebound and launched a rocket that was blocked away near the goal line by defender Konrad Plewa. The final significant scoring chance of the match came from Kharlton Belmar for Swope Park. The forward maneuvered around multiple defenders and fired a fierce shot toward the net that was blocked away confidently by a diving Adam Grinwis. Swope Park earned a point to move to 12-5-4 while Saint Louis FC goes to 6-8-6.
Scoring:
None
#STLvSPR: Full Match and Opta Box Score
Three Things That Matter:
USLSoccer.com Man of the Match
Konrad Plewa, Saint Louis FC – The defender stood tall for Saint Louis FC, shutting down multiple scoring opportunities and even blocking a strong shot from Moloto when Adam Grinwis was out of position.
Upcoming Games:
Saint Louis FC at Tulsa Roughnecks FC – August 10, 7:30 p.m. CT, ONEOK Field
Swope Park Rangers vs. Orange County SC – August 5, 7:30 p.m. CT, Children’s Mercy Victory Field