Bradley Carnell, the former head coach of St. Louis City SC, recently opened up about the daring leap he took, despite the chorus of naysayers warning him against it.

His journey to coaching in Major League Soccer wasn’t just a job; it was a venture filled with risks and ambitious goals.

Rising to the Challenge

When St. Louis began its quest to find a head coach who resonated with their vision, Carnell stood out as the leading candidate.

His practical coaching style, track record of success, and enthusiasm for nurturing young talent made him the perfect fit.

Carnell’s coaching career took off in 2017 as an assistant with the New York Red Bulls.

He quickly transitioned to interim head coach in 2020, eventually landing the position of head coach for St. Louis City SC in 2022.

“I was told by everyone that establishing a franchise in American professional sports is one of the toughest jobs, especially for an expansion team,” Carnell shared with FARPost.

Despite the warnings, he embraced the challenge, not only focusing on coaching but also on assembling a team and technical staff from the ground up.

Building St. Louis City

Working closely with sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel, Carnell aimed to create a distinct identity for the team that would resonate with the city’s proud sports heritage.

St. Louis is home to several major league teams, each with a rich history.

The St. Louis Cardinals, one of the oldest teams in baseball, have claimed an impressive 11 World Series titles, while the St. Louis Blues triumphed in the 2019 Stanley Cup, boasting a long history of success, including a playoff streak that lasted 25 years.

To accelerate the team’s growth, Carnell strategically placed players in the MLS Next Pro League.

This developmental league provided a platform for players to gain crucial experience, setting the stage for future success.

“We were able to launch the team a year early, starting in 2022.

By utilizing the MLS Next Pro, we could begin planning for the future and get players on our roster early,” Carnell explained.

A Promising Start and a Tough End

On October 1, 2023, St. Louis City SC achieved a remarkable milestone by winning the Western Conference in their inaugural season, earning a spot in the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup.

However, the excitement didn’t last long, as the second season presented challenges that ultimately led to Carnell’s departure.

What’s next for Carnell and the franchise? The future remains uncertain, but the groundwork he laid will undoubtedly impact St. Louis soccer for years to come.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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