St. Louis CITY SC survived a spirited comeback from cross-state rival Sporting Kansas City, prevailing 3-2 on Thursday night at Energizer Park to open the second half of the MLS season with a hard-fought victory.
The win pushed CITY’s unbeaten streak to six matches across all competitions and showcased both the attacking promise and mental toughness Damet’s side will need as the playoff push intensifies.
Sangbin Jeong gave the hosts the lead in the 28th minute, heading home from the center of the box for his second MLS goal of the season. Marcel Hartel doubled the advantage eight minutes later, converting a well-weighted assist from Simon Becher — with Eduard Löwen earning the secondary assist — via a composed right-footed finish from the left side of the area.
Sporting Kansas City refused to fold. Capita Capemba pulled one back in the 42nd minute with a curling right-footed strike from the right half-space, and Dejan Joveljić leveled the match in the 76th minute. But CITY responded with characteristic resolve, earning a penalty in the 86th minute that Löwen calmly converted for the winner — his second MLS goal of the campaign.
Head coach Yoann Damet was pleased with the result but measured in his assessment of the performance following a two-month league hiatus.
“It was a real game of restarting after two months of a break,” Damet said. “We did a lot of good things, but obviously not enough to stay in the game with a two-goal lead. In the end, we were able to grind out that result. That’s what matters to the group right now.”
Damet highlighted the team’s pressing and ball movement in the opening 40 minutes, noting those elements mirrored what the squad had executed well in preseason training. He cited lapses in intensity and defensive depth in the final minutes of the first half as areas needing immediate attention.
Marcel Hartel, who scored his fourth MLS goal of the season (and seventh across all competitions), credited the squad’s mentality after Kansas City drew even.
“We showed our mentality… we keep going,” Hartel said. “We don’t fall out and say let’s try to keep the tie. We go for the win.”
Hartel also lauded Becher’s vision on the second goal: “It was an amazing assist from him. He saw me coming from behind… perfect ball.”
Löwen, who stepped up for the decisive penalty, emphasized the importance of securing three points after controlling large portions of the match.
“It was a very important win to come out big and just get the result tonight,” Löwen said. “At the end of the day, it’s a quality to win a game like that… We had a good performance, we got the result, [it] gives us a lot of confidence. Now we want to go for the next win.”
Simon Becher, who recorded his team-leading fifth assist of the season, noted the expected physicality of the rivalry and praised the group’s response after twice surrendering the lead.
“We knew even at 2-0 it wasn’t going to be easy,” Becher said. “Credit to the whole squad… Everyone left everything out there.”
Becher also detailed the build-up to his assist and expressed confidence in the handball call that led to the game-winning penalty.
Additional notes from the match:
- Hartel’s goal marked the club’s 100th MLS regular-season goal at Energizer Park.
- Palmer Ault made his MLS debut as a late substitute.
- CITY is now 5-0-1 in its last six matches across all competitions.
Ben Lundt started in goal, as Roman Bürki continues to work his way back to full fitness following an injury absence. Damet confirmed the decision was based on ensuring any goalkeeper could handle a full 90 minutes.
The back line, featuring strong contributions from Dante Polvara and veteran leadership from Timo Baumgartl, held firm in key moments despite the two goals conceded.
Next Up CITY SC will travel to face the LA Galaxy at Dignity Health Sports Park on Wednesday, July 22 (9:30 p.m. CT). With renewed momentum and an unbeaten streak to protect, St. Louis will look to build on Thursday’s resilience as it chases a playoff position in the Eastern Conference.
The victory served as an encouraging, if imperfect, start to the second half of the season — one defined by attacking quality, competitive fight, and the growing belief within the group.
