It’s been a long, winding journey for St. Louis CITY SC midfielder Tomáš Ostrák.
The talented Czech midfielder first arrived in St. Louis ahead of the inaugural 2023 season and spent time with CITY2. He immediately set high expectations, with three goals in 10 MLS NEXT Pro appearances. A stress injury in his left shin, however, set him back over the past few seasons.
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Ostrák’s trajectory with the team could be changing, though.
During Saturday’s match against the Colorado Rapids, CITY remained scoreless for much of the game, despite Colorado’s Rob Holding receiving a red card in the 12th minute. Enter Ostrák. In the 76th minute, after CITY right-back Tomas Totland headed teammate Timo Baumgartl’s long switch to the top of the box, Ostrák didn’t hesitate.
“I had to shoot,” he said afterward. “I had to believe in myself, because it was now or never.”
His kick found its way past Colorado goalkeeper Nico Hansen and into the net.
CITY’s captain, goalkeeper Roman Bürki, sprinted the length of the pitch to celebrate with Ostrák. “I’m just happy he didn’t cramp,” Ostrák quipped afterward of Bürki’s calm night, with CITY holding possession for nearly 80 percent of the second half. “It was an awesome moment.”
The team’s reaction said everything about Ostrák’s place in the group and his evolution over the past several seasons. “He’s had some bad luck,” Baumgartl said of Ostrák’s journey. “But he works every day in training… He’s a good player, a good person, and, honestly, he deserved that.”
Ostrák has been impactful during his relief appearances this season, including a goal against FC Tulsa earlier this year. With CITY’s new front office, Ostrák appears to be auditioning for a spot in an increasingly competitive midfield. For now, he’s focused on moving forward.
“Very happy, very grateful, thankful for everything,” he said after the match. “I am happy that I’m healthy again. We keep going.”
