St. Louis City SC shocked the MLS? No one saw this coming | OneFootball

The third season of the MLS witnessed a new era for St. Louis City SC. The team seemed to be groping in the dark, trying to find its identity under Olof Mellberg in the initial games of the season. The 3-0 victory over LA Galaxy could have been the wake-up call for the team. Cedric Teuchert, Marcel Hartel, and Simon Becher were the ones who gave the team a break and pace for the future.

Is defense the backbone of success?

St. Louis is showing that without a secure defensive system, all the offense in the world can be for nothing. Goalkeeper Roman Bürki, MLS All-Star and team captain, is the anchor of this security.

Three matches, no goals conceded. A rare achievement, especially for a team trying to establish itself among the league's top teams. Mellberg is aware of this. A good goalkeeper is not enough, there must be a system that protects the defense. And it seems the players took heed. The confidence built up in the initial matches is now reflected not only in the victories but also in the attitude of the team on the pitch.

In the attack, this defense shield equates to something invaluable, such as not feeling pressure to score at all costs. When a team believes it possesses a sound defense, every goal is a guarantee towards victory rather than just an ephemeral respite.

The DNA of victory

The season's initial goal, coming by the side of Teuchert, perhaps wasn't the prettiest goal of his career, conceded as he himself admitted. Who cares, however, for beauty when what was gambled on was far bigger than the taking of a single goal? St. Louis needed to release that moment into unlocking its offense, and once the net had been upset, the team now appears all geared to find their spurt of pace.

Mellberg also earns an A. The Swedish coach noticed Galaxy's weakness in transitions and exploited it with brilliance. The result? A team that positioned itself well, used space best, and was lethal when given the opportunity.

"One-on-one, two-on-one, two-on-two scenarios, so I was very pleased with the way we looked in shape. [We] added a bit more quality, especially in the third phase, with some great finishes for the goals," Mellberg said.

The real test is yet to come

And if the Galaxy win served to wake up St. Louis in the season, the real test remains ahead. Last season, the side was not great on the road when it came to gathering points, but perhaps the opening away win during the Mellberg period is the beginning of greater things. Consistency is now the big task ahead. Will the back line remain as impassable? Will the attack, after ending the barren spell, keep up the rhythm?