The Twos are headed to St. Louis for their third road match in 10 days, and this opponent is going to be a doozy. CITY2 haven’t lost a single game this summer, their six wins and one draw putting them deservedly at the top of the West, in undisputed fashion with eight points on the runners-up. They lead the league as well, a point ahead of New York Red Bulls II, and they’ve scored multiple times in every game they’ve won. But our Loons are motivated, and they’ve been putting in increasingly impactful performances along the West Coast over the last couple of weeks.
Despite the 3-2 road loss to Town FC, the Twos exhibited some high-energy, smart play out in California on Tuesday. Academy midfielder Max Harwood, who recently made his second team debut, helped create some dangerous opportunities, including a great 16’ goal attempt by forward Muba Nour. Leading scorer Luke Hille added another goal to his tally with a flawless PK to the center of the net just before the half, making it seven this season. He’s second in the league in shots on target (22) and leads in headed shots (20). Babacar Niang also logged his first goal of the season late in the 69’, quickly responding to a score by The Town. There’s no shortage of talent on this Twos roster.
Even through a bit of a shake-up when former CITY2 Head Coach David Critchley was bumped up to lead the first team, St. Louis has kept their focus resolutely ahead. John Hackworth has stepped into the role seamlessly, and CITY2’s goal differential is now +12 to Minnesota’s +4. There’s a lot to look out for on this St. Louis side. Mykhi Joyner is tied for second in the league with 11 goals to his name. He leads the league in PK goals, netting each of the six penalties he’s taken so far. He’s like an 18-year-old Denis Bouanga. He scored four times in a single game against Portland Timbers2 in May and scored a brace against the Twos earlier this season.
CITY2 actually combined with a Loon recently in the MLS NEXT Pro All-Star match, when forward Lorenzo Cornelius swept a ball into the box for Minnesota Academy forward Tim Dennis to bump in, giving the West the lead. The kind of footwork Cornelius uses to get around the Eastern defense is the attacking prowess the Loons have to be cognizant of this weekend. But, just like Minnesota’s first team, the Twos know what they’re good at and lean into it. Having scored once in Portland and twice in San Jose, I’m rooting for the count to keep climbing in a win that would make a huge statement for your Loons. Three goals in St. Louis sounds pretty good to me.
