The 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season kicks off with a highly anticipated matchup between St. Louis City SC and Colorado Rapids at GEODIS Park in St. Louis on Saturday, February 22. This clash features two teams with high expectations and star-studded lineups.
St. Louis City SC
- 2024 Record: 8-13-13, 12th in Western Conference, did not qualify for playoffs
- Key Players: John Hackworth (Head Coach), Marcel Hartel, Cedric Teuchert, Roman Bürki, Eduard Löwen
- Strengths: St. Louis City SC has a strong attacking lineup with Marcel Hartel and Cedric Teuchert leading the charge. Their defense, led by Roman Bürki, has been solid in the past.
- Challenges: St. Louis City SC struggled to find consistency last season and missed the playoffs. They will need to improve their overall performance to compete at a higher level1.
- Key Departures: Nökkvi Thórisson was loaned to Eredivisie side Sparta Rotterdam.
- Key Signings: Timo Baumgartl, a center back, arrives as a free agent, and Conrad Wallem, a versatile midfielder, joins on loan from Czech first-division side Slavia Prague.
Colorado Rapids
- 2024 Record: 15-14-5, 7th in Western Conference, reached the playoffs but lost in the Western Conference Round One
- Key Players: Chris Armas (Head Coach), Oliver Larraz, Dorde Mihailovic, Josh Atencio, Chidozie Awaziem
- Strengths: Colorado Rapids had a strong playoff run in 2024, reaching the Western Conference Round One. They have a productive academy and a front office adept at finding undervalued targets.
- Challenges: Colorado Rapids struggled defensively, conceding goals in transition. They will need to address these defensive issues to be successful this season.
- Key Departures: Lalas Abubakar departed for FC Dallas, and Jonathan Lewis signed with EFL League One club Barnsley.
- Key Signings: Josh Atencio was acquired from Seattle Sounders, and Chidozie Awaziem was added to bolster the center-back group.
Match Details
- Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025
- Time: 8:30 PM ET
- Venue: GEODIS Park, St. Louis, Missouri
- Broadcast: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Team News and Lineups
- St. Louis City SC: The reigning Supporters’ Shield winners have turned to John Hackworth to guide the team to an MLS Cup. They have added Timo Baumgartl and Conrad Wallem ahead of this season and also brought in goalkeeper Kim Jun-hong from South Korean top-flight side Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC. Their biggest departure was Nökkvi Thórisson, who was loaned to Eredivisie side Sparta Rotterdam.
- Colorado Rapids: After a poor start to the 2024 season, Colorado Rapids hired Chris Armas to maximize the team’s high-priced talent. They have lost key players like Lalas Abubakar and Jonathan Lewis, but have added Josh Atencio and Chidozie Awaziem to bolster their squad.
Key Matchups
- Marcel Hartel vs. Colorado Rapids Defense: Hartel’s presence on the field will be a major factor for St. Louis City SC. His ability to create scoring opportunities and finish them will test Colorado Rapids’ defensive capabilities.
- Colorado Rapids’ Front Line vs. St. Louis City Defense: Colorado Rapids’ attacking trio will look to exploit any weaknesses in St. Louis City’s defense and create scoring chances.
