MLS NEXT Pro: The Town FC - St. Louis CITY 2 (Sunday, 5/11) pre/in/postgame thread [R]

Paul Marie flicks home the chance off a perfect team build-up for the fourth!

📺 #MLSSeasonPass: https://t.co/l83dj0SNLI pic.twitter.com/WLbF1HQ40s

— MLS NEXT Pro (@MLSNEXTPRO) May 12, 2025

 

The Town FC ever since they decided to play the guys not getting MLS games lol

 

Since we're playing all these 1st team guys, it's easy to see which ones stand out and deserve consideration for 1st gameday roster and which ones, eh, not so much.

The standouts for me: Hernán, Ricketts, Marie, and Nick Fernandez

The good: Benji, Medina

The "meh": Skahan

Skahan's up for option at the end of this year. I don't see how he gets renewed, especially since his salary ratcheted up a bit on his last contract. Benji has an option year in 2026 also, that might be a tough one. Marie is signed thru 2026 so he'll be around and continue to struggle to get minutes, but he's a pretty good player and adds depth even if he struggle to get minutes.

Fernandez is an interesting player. He jogs around and looks somewhat disinterested but when he engages he's quick and decisive - it looks almost "angry". It stands out for me. They had him playing the 6 role that Buck was playing so my guess is that he's moves up and takes that spot while Buck is out. His goal was really pretty impressive - upper 90 in traffic in the box.

Ricketts had a good hard shot for a goal, and another good hard shot with this left that was saved, and another good chance with his right foot that he hit too close to the keeper. But he tortured the right side of St. Louis's defense all game.

Hernán had the great goal and was generally good but had a couple of heavy touches that let him down.

Marie just generally looks good attacking with the ball.

Benji was real quiet 1st half because there were enough attackers and he was focused more on defense. But he had that nice run and assist to Marie for the 4th goal. Medina - again - good but not great. He did have the assist to Ricketts I think it was.

 

Playing at home also helps.

Bruce is obviously pulling the strings on The Town gameday rosters and prioritizing the 1st team over player development. They'll be a different team on the road though, and will have to play a lot more of the younger academy guys.