Tuesday’s announcement of St. Louis being awarded an MLS expansion team was cause for celebration in a market with a rich history and large role in the landscape of American soccer history.
Some 250 miles to the west, Sporting Kansas City also celebrated the inclusion of St. Louis, albeit for a different reason: rivalry.
“I’m excited for them to be in the league,” said Sporting KC captain Matt Besler. “I think for us, it’s going to be a great rivalry. Kansas City and St. Louis have always been close rivals.”
Besler, the Kansas City hometown hero, understands more than most on his squad, recalling the rivalry between the two cities when he was in youth soccer.