St Louis City rout Austin FC 6-3 behind Eduard Lowen's three assists | OneFootball

MLS' newest side welcomed regular season play back in style by thumping Austin FC 6-3 to strengthen their position at the top of the Western Conference.

It was a nine-goal thriller at CITY Park, with the home side getting the job done behind a trio of solid performances. Midfielder Eduard Lowen provided a hat-trick of assists on the night, while Nicholas Gioacchini and Samuel Adeniran both notched braces.

The win extended their lead atop the Western Conference standings as they remain in first place with 44 points, seven points ahead of 2022 MLS Cup champions LAFC, who have a game in hand.

As expected, St Louis head coach Bradley Carnell was pleased with his side's performance, except for the two goals conceded at the end of the game.

"We came out the blocks flying and just showing our ruthlessness," said Carnell. "And the mentality, and the commitment to the style of play. And then I have to give my players praise, to endure these conditions and to play the way we do."

There were several dominant score lines around the league in Matchday 27, and it isn't a coincidence that many sides used the weeks of rest to their advantage.

"The pressure of not playing [in the league] for five weeks, there needs to be a release," Carnell said. "And I saw a nice release from our players tonight within our principles."

Carnell's side have enjoyed a magical first season in MLS, losing just three times in league play in 2023, and have also won their last five out of six league games.

"Whether you win 3-0 or 6-3, I think it was a great evening for the fans and obviously we'll look at things and try to repair the goals we conceded and some late chances," Carnell added. "Other than that, very happy with that today."

St Louis hits the road for their next game as they take on Orlando City at Exploria Stadium on August 26.