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St. Louis City SC took a huge step towards finalizing their opening day roster tonight with the conclusion of the 2022 MLS Expansion Draft. St. Louis has been waiting a long time for this moment, and after many false starts the club finally takes the stage.
Before looking at the players taken, it’s important to understand the style and structure that Lutz Pfannenstiel is looking for in building his expansion squad. Heavily influenced by the classic Red Bull style, Lutz has brought in former RBNY Head Coach Bradley Carnell to chaperone this team through its’ inaugural season. That fast paced, high pressing style is how they’ve established play throughout their academy and CITY2 teams – and clearly that philosophy was the driving force beyond tonight’s 5 players ( make that 6) selections.
While higher profile players were available, St. Louis clearly wanted to add value in young, domestic MLS talent as well as strengthening their backline with proven MLS defenders. So, Let’s run through the picks.
Nicolas Gioacchini – Midfielder – Orlando City
Gioacchini arrived stateside after signing a free transfer with Orlando City and just 4 months later he’s moving a little closer to home by joining St. Louis. Gioacchini is a young hungry forward that is in need of a bounce back after 6 scoreless games this past season. If he can bounce back then he may find himself back in the USMNT picture sooner, rather than later.
Indiana Vassilev – Midfielder – Inter Miami
Vassilev is an interesting selection, a hard working talented winger who is still looking to completely establish himself and, as Lutz put it, “We still have to work out a deal with Villa”. If St. Louis can secure Vassilev’s rights from Asten Villa, then the 21 year old could be a big boost to St. Louis’ wing play for years to come. However, with his contract status up in the air, it’s hard to find a read on Vassilev beyond this season.
Jon Bell – Defender – New England Revolution
It was apparent that this draft would give St. Louis a huge opportunity to strengthen themselves defensively without sacrificing too much skill on the ball. Jon Bell really established himself as that type of player last season, breaking the 1000 minute threshold for the first time in his career. The 25 year old has a pathway to play with St. Louis and they could use a left footed CB who is calm with the ball at his feet.
John Nelson – Defender – Cincinnati
John Nelson was another player that took a big step last season. Playing a crucial role for Cincinnati in their first ever playoff run, Nelson also plugs a big hole for St. Louis as they needed to acquire at least 1 FB with MLS experience. Nelson proved that he can be defensively responsible while also being capable of pushing forward, he’s going to have to embrace that aspect of his game in St. Louis.
Jake Lacava – Forward – New York Red Bulls
Traded to Inter Miami for $150k 2023 GAM + up to 100k GAME
Jake Lacava belonged to St. Louis for about 10 minutes before he was flipped for at least $150k in 2023 GAM. St. Louis would then use that GAM to trade for…
Tim Parker to St. Louis City SC for 2 x $250k GAM
If you walked into the draft feeling like St.Louis’ defensive roster was thin, it is now in a really strong spot as they begin life in MLS. Tim Parker is familiar with Carnell through their time in New York and picking up such a proven MLS CB for just $500k GAM is amazing value. Parker was a critical piece to the Houston Dynamo last season, making their leaderboard for accurate passes/90, clearances/90 and blocks/90.
I wouldn’t say that this was an A++ Expansion Draft but I think it was a solid B, St. Louis filled many of the gaps in its’ lineup and bought low on exciting players with upside. The picks completely line up with the club’s stated philosophy and leave them with space to make more moves either before the start of the season or during the summer transfer window. That flexibility is going to be the key to building on any initial success they may have.