Amid a three-game losing skid, it’s understandable if things surrounding St. Louis CITY SC feel a bit bleak. The club has to be better than it was during a dispiriting 2-1 loss to Seattle on Saturday night at CITYPARK—and losses to Cincinnati and LAFC before it. The good news? Help appears to be on the way.
Beyond the recent acquisition of attacking midfielder Cedric Teuchert, St. Louis now has one of its most talented players back in the fold. During Saturday’s second half, Eduard Löwen made his second appearance following his extended absence—and it didn’t take long for him to remind the CITY faithful exactly what he brings to the lineup when healthy.
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Just look at how the squad performed as soon as he returned to the field in Downtown West.
Löwen entered the match moments after Seattle scored its second goal of the night on a streaking finish by Jordan Morris. Löwen’s impact was instantly felt. With Löwen on the field, CITY’s tempo seemingly found a jolt, its chances started to feel dangerous and, merely 12 minutes into his insertion into the lineup, the club scored its first goal of the night.
The strike by Tomas Totland showcased exactly how much CITY missed Löwen’s ability on the ball. After recycling a free kick opportunity around the corner of the box, Löwen sent a familiar diving cross across Seattle keeper Stephen Frei’s area, finding Totland as he darted from the far wing.
“Edu is so good,” Totland said. “When he’s on the ball, you feel comfortable that he is not going to lose it there. On that goal, I see him getting the ball and I know that he will find me and that’s why I make that run. Great ball by Edu.“
After Totland’s goal, the momentum clearly shifted as fans at CITYPARK tried to will their boys in red to a result. However, while CITY managed five shot attempts during stoppage time, the club ultimately ran out of time.
“I tried to give the team the best impact I could,” Löwen said. “I think we came back in a really good way. I think we had a lot of chances. And I think Seattle goes home very happy and also kind of lucky with the three points.”
Löwen’s return brought a level of danger and intensity that the squad could have used sooner. During the first half, CITY seemingly dominated everything but the scoreboard. For his part, Löwen created two chances, including three passes into the final third, while becoming the catalyst for the club’s 0.62 expected goals over his 20-minute stint.
Now that CITY’s star midfielder is on the verge of returning to full fitness ahead of a stretch of winnable matches in June, there has to be meaningful progress for the club during the upcoming weeks.
St. Louis travelsl to Miami this weekend, facing another uphill battle against the stars of South Florida. Few will expect them to hold off a fourth consecutive loss, but it’s plain to see that the squad’s form isn’t as hopeless as hinted by the recent stretch of results.
Especially now that Löwen is back and ready to contribute.
“You can see a sense of urgency when he comes in,” CITY head coach Bradley Carnell said. “But there’s a respect factor for the opponent, as well, that Edu Löwen is now on the field. They know every dead ball scenario; they know every cross; they know every moment; Edu can make a play. It’s good to have him on the field.”
