In his first season working with Aziel Jackson, St. Louis CITY SC head coach Bradley Carnell could say so many things about the young midfielder. The 21-year-old Jackson has provided CITY with crucial depth and playmaking ability, fit seamlessly into several roles, and displayed a level of skill that has reportedly piqued the interest of multiple European clubs.
Yes, there’s been a lot to like about Jackson’s debut season in Major League Soccer. But for the St. Louis coach, it’s Jackson’s growth off the field that might be the most rewarding development of all.
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“AZ is shaping into a real good, young, humble gentleman,” Carnell says.
In these waning days of the regular season, Carnell has been reflecting on his team and its growth from an unknown quantity to Western Conference powerhouse. The rise of Jackson from the developmental roster to CITY’s regular rotation of players seems to be among the biggest points of pride for Carnell.
Jackson demonstrated last year that he could assert himself at the MLS Next Pro level, earning Minnesota United FC 2’s most valuable player award after scoring 10 goals during the 2022 campaign. After the season, St. Louis sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel moved with urgency to acquire Jackson as depth for CITY’s pipeline. Months later, the move has paid off for all involved.
Saturday was the latest piece of evidence. After coming on as a second-half substitute, Jackson gained possession of a ball knocked loose by Eduard Löwen, shimmied his way past Minnesota defenders, and delivered a perfect pass to Blom, who booted the ball into the net to put St. Louis in front for good during the 73rd minute. It was the kind of quality effort that CITY has come to expect from Jackson, who has four assists on the season—including two in the past four matches.
As he evaluates his own rise in CITY’s system, Jackson says he’s learned a lot about what it takes to be a great professional. For him, that means being selfless, helping teammates succeed, and maintaining consistency in games and during training. It’s all given Jackson a confidence boost that has helped him believe he can succeed, no matter the role or opportunity.
“When you’re young, sometimes you think you know everything,” Jackson says. “I think with these games, [confidence] just comes with experience.”
Carnell sees that confidence manifest in the way Jackson is able to lead his teammates into fortuitous situations, and how he flashes his own ability to finish plays. But Carnell has noticed Jackson’s growth off the field, too. And for his part, Jackson credits his coach for helping that personal development take hold.
“For him to say that, that I’m becoming a gentleman, makes me [feel] so warm inside,” Jackson says. “He’s like a father to me, as well. [He’s] not just a coach, or a boss. … He teaches me how to be a good young man.”
In a season full of positive developments for the young club, Jackson’s rise has been gratifying for Carnell on so many levels.
“It’s a joy,” Carnell says, “to coach him.”
