I was thinking he could have been let go at season's end if things didn't improve, especially since they've got a couple of July transfers coming in. But as Sport Billy noted, outside of our hot start, thing have been flat at best. I think the final straw has been all crucial late (80+minute) goals. They are being given up at an alarming rate lately. Four of the last five games(?). Turning too many wins into draws, and draws into losses.
It's true the collapse has been a bit more than half a season if you want to get granular game-by-game, but splitting season 1 into "the first five" and "the rest" isn't accurate either. As I noted last year, STL was streak-y all year - and that got us #1 in the conference. Regardless of how you get there, #1 in the conference is a very good season. I think the biggest problem with last season was that final four-game losing streak that booted us from the playoffs. That's where I agree the decline has been more than half a season - but not much more. This, I can see as being a very good point. STL was designed to be a high-energy team, which worked most of last year, but hasn't been here this year and has led to all these late goals against. Whether it's just physical issue or a combination physical+mental thing, the leadership isn't managing the team well enough to see each game out.
Slight correction. Atlanta game tying goal was earlier than i remembered, it was in the 71 min. Miami game tying @ 85', LAFC Game winner @ 90+ So three games (2 ties & 1 loss) impacted by late goals. Also late goals in losses to Vancouver, Colorado, Dallas, & Cincy
Two things. Did the apparent training injuries to Klauss and Parker (and the possible concussion protocol for Yaro, maybe also fro training) have anything to do with the decision? We were supposed to have the formal Hartel signing announcement today and have Teuchert possibly train with the team today. Is there any chance that the coaching change is affecting either signing?
It's been a frustrating and disappointing season thusfar. As noted, the team's fitness level in late-game situations has been less than great. On offense, great build-ups break down when the ball gets inside the 18. The lack of reliable scoring has been problematic this year, and as noted, injuries to key players hasn't helped. I hope Hackworth can generate some good stuff in his interim capacity. If not, St. Louis could be fighting with Chicago, New England, Sporting KC, Dallas, Philadelphia, and DC United for second place in the Wooden Spoon sweepstakes (I think San Jose has pretty much wrapped that up for 2024). As for fortcollins' thoughts of Peter Vermes being fired from SKC....I don't think so. He also has a front office/management post too, so if he stops coaching there, it will be because he voluntarily steps down. At least, that's what I've read from other posters who follow Sporting KC more than I do.
It gets curiouser and curiouser. Teuchert was supposedly going to start practicing with the team today, but I didn't see any mention of that. Instead, there are several mentions that Sam Adeniran trained with the team today. The Hartel signing was supposed to be announced today, but instead we got the Carnell firing announcement. For the last several matches, every player who has been asked about the locker room, the team's spirits, and the team's reactions has said that the team is tight, the locker room is good, and everyone is together. Other than Adeniran and AZ, what players have seemed on the outs with the coaching, tactics, lineups, etc.? In fact the announcement quotes Lutz as saying “Unfortunately, based on our Year 2 results to date, we believe a coaching change is in the best interest of the club as we regroup and look to improve both our performance and our results.” If results to date is the driver, and the most winnable match of the entire season is next, why now? And how is John Hackworth as interim an upgrade? (Hackworth's head coaching record with Philadelphia was 20-23-14.) The MLS article quotes Lutz as saying the tactics will remain the same: "We have a playing style, we have a philosophy, we have an identity that will not be thrown out the window, . . So we do still want to play a high-intensity pressing game, that will not change." The three things Lutz mentioned in all of the different stories about the firing were (a) the blown lead in Vancouver, (b) the danger of missing the playoffs this year and (c) the team's record. Again, why now, with the most winnable game in our house on Wednesday? I keep coming back to the injuries during practice. Was that really the issue?
Not with Lutz in charge; Lutz will likely push for reinstating the high-energy style we had last year with another coach that plans like that.
Thank you for the reassurance. I needed it. Too many years watching a team whose owner's name rhymes with Donkey will do that to a person.
Not really sure where this one fits, but it affects the business and roster determinations, so maybe it belongs here with the front office? The MLS just revised the designated player and U-22 initiative rules effective in mid-August, and the end of the second transfer window, It's impossible not to notice that the MLS used the LA Galaxy and Miami as examples for both rules.
Well friends, we witnessed another shxt show this weekend against Minnesota. Very frustrating that we cannot hold on to a lead and close out a game to pick up three points. We have 5 wins from 29 games. 17%. Pitiful. Two questions run through my mind. (1) What did we gain by firing Carnell? (2) Is the high press strategy of Lutz best suited for this League?
We will find a coach in the offseason. However, getting rid of Carnell was the correct move. He was poor at the when/why/who of substitutions. He was unable to change tactics to meet the game situation. The high press can work in MLS. But Lutz should know it is dangerous when you have slow low-level defenders.
At least we definitely have dodged that bullet. Local Chicago Fire press reporting that the team's close on a deal with Gregg Berhalter to come in as, essentially, head coach & new CSO next year. Basically the Peter Vermes role.I'd mentioned on This is MLS a few times that this was the likeliest outcome. Good get for Fire. https://t.co/hDypK0xM1k— Matthew Doyle (@MattDoyle76) September 18, 2024
Fort Collins, I do not share your concern. I am not a fan of Berhalter. I think he is over-rated. He gain the US job, in part, because of nepotism . . . I use to live in Chicago and had season tickets to their games. Every since Bradley left (which was a long time ago) the club has been snake biten. If they think Greggy is their savior, god bless them . . .
This seems a bit . . . underwhelming. Sources: Interim manager John Hackworth remains in contention to be named St. Louis City head coach.Another name on the radar: Louisville City rising manager Danny Cruz. The 34-year-old has been in charge since 2021.That & more: https://t.co/EKehomrxWu pic.twitter.com/p0tGI6Nj5z— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) September 27, 2024
Just pondering our coaching vacancy a bit. One possibility within the MLS for a head coach position somewhere is Jeff Larentowicz. He's currently part of FC Cincinnati's player development staff. Back in the day, he was an aggressive midfielder and was part of at least two MLS Cup championships. He didn't earn the "Ginger Ninja" nickname for nothing. He has a keen soccer mind and a bit of the fiery presence that we miss from Tim Parker's departure. I don't know if that somewhere would be CITY, but he's one smart cookie.
Soooooo . . . Matt Baker reports that there are three candidates for the CITY head coaching spot, Eirik Horneland and Olof Mellberg are two of them, and it is between Mellberg and "another candidate" for the job. Frankly, this sounds like one of those awful grade school math word problems. Eirik Horneland is reportedly another target for @stlCITYsc head coach and this article reports 3 finalists (Olof Mellberg reportedly one too).A🧵on Horneland's managerial history: (1/3) #AllForCITYhttps://t.co/X0UlZngLu6— Matt Baker (@MattBakerSTL) November 22, 2024 Baker also reports a news story *somewhat* questioning whether Horneland is interested. Strong candidate for the greatest translated soccer rumor headline of all time. This in regards to the @stlCITYsc coaching vacancy & Eirik Horneland rumor. #AllForCITY pic.twitter.com/cE3vNcWrG7— Matt Baker (@MattBakerSTL) November 22, 2024 Thoughts???
Today is the day! Swedish reporting now that Olof Mellberg is about to be sacked as @stlCITYsc head coach. #AllForCITYhttps://t.co/Cv8NRnEHmW— Matt Baker (@MattBakerSTL) May 19, 2025
Every day he is still here (and Lutz too for that matter) is just spitting in the face of the fans. Congrats to Lutz, Carolyn, and Olof for killing any remaining momentum/goodwill this club had with this city from the inaugural season.