Toronto FC II return home to host Saint Louis FC in a midweek clash at the Ontario Soccer Centre. To get you set here is everything you need to know about Wednesday’s opponents.
2017 Season
Following a year in the Western Conference, Saint Louis FC has switched back to its original conference for the 2017 season. The transition back has not been the smoothest for SLFC who currently sit outside the Eastern Conference playoff picture with a record of 8-11-5 and a negative goal differential of -11.
Current Form
LWLWL
Loss at Rochester Rhinos (2-1)
Win vs. Tulsa Roughnecks (2-1)
Loss vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds (2-1)
Win vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies (4-3)
Loss at Tulsa Roughnecks (2-1)
Last time we met
Saint Louis FC was victorious 2-0 in the June 2 clash between the two clubs in Saint Louis. All time the Reds are 1-2-0 vs. Saint Louis.
Key Player: Christian Volesky
The former Rochester Rhino is in his first season with St. Louis. The forward has scored four goals in 23 appearances this season. Last year Volesky scored ten goals for Rochester. In 2015, he led the Rhinos to the USL Championship leading the team in scoring with eight goals. The native of Henderson, Nevada was the 32nd overall pick in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft. Volesky has not scored since the June meeting between these two sides but has always been a threat going forward against the Young Reds.
Unsung Hero: Dragan Stojkov
The midfielder currently leads the team with 800 completed passes shooting them around at an 82.5% clip. The Macedonian international has also chipped in with team high tying two assists. The 29-year-old is in his first season in Saint Louis. The journeyman has played for eight different teams in his 11-year professional career. Stojkov was called into the full Macedonian national team in 2005 and 2006 but never made his full international debut.
Canadian Content
Saint Louis FC does not roster any Canadians, however, there is a pair of ties to the Reds in Saint Louis.
Former Toronto FC II player Wesley Charpie is currently plying his trade in St. Louis. Charpie made 43 appearances for the Young Reds over the 2015-2016 seasons. Charpie originally joined the organization in 2015 when he was selected 29th overall in the SuperDraft. The defender has made 13 appearances this season chipping in with two assists.
The other connection to the Reds is on the sidelines. St. Louis’ head coach is Preki, the former Toronto FC bench boss. One of the MLS Originals was in charge of the first team between November 2009 and September 2010. He went 11-11-10 during his time in Toronto.
Projected lineup:
Preki has consistently rolled out in a flat 4-4-2 this season with Volesky playing along side another striker.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM on Wednesday and Toronto FC’s Justin Morrow will be meeting and greeting fans from 6:30-7:30. Tickets available here.
