SAINT LOUIS, Mo. – The Saint Louis FC defense shined late as the hosts earned a point at home against the Swope Park Rangers. Saint Louis FC gained a free kick on the side of the box in the 18th minute, but Octavio Guzman’s pass was blocked away by the Swope Park defense. Emmanuel Appiah continued to make an impact in his second game for Saint Louis FC as he found space in the 45th minute and launched a ball from the top of the box just wide of the net. Swope Park was awarded a dangerous free kick in the 58th minute at the top of the box off a collision between Christian Duke and Saint Louis defender Matt Sheldon, but Mark Gonzalez launched the ball over the net as the match remained scoreless. Saint Louis FC came right back on Christian Volesky’s long run into the box. The forward came into the game in the 62nd minute and immediately made an impact, earning a penalty kick off a foul by Swope Park keeper Darrin MacLeod. Octavio Guzman lined up to take the shot, but MacLeod’s incredible diving stop held the game scoreless. Swope Park returned to the attack in the 65th minute with an odd-man opportunity deep into the offensive third. Saint Louis FC keeper Adam Grinwis came out assertively and thwarted the initial opportunity, but Lebo Moloto found the rebound and launched a rocket that was blocked away near the goal line by defender Konrad Plewa. The final significant scoring chance of the match came from Kharlton Belmar for Swope Park. The forward maneuvered around multiple defenders and fired a fierce shot toward the net that was blocked away confidently by a diving Adam Grinwis. Swope Park earned a point to move to 12-5-4 while Saint Louis FC goes to 6-8-6.

Scoring:
None

#STLvSPR: Full Match and Opta Box Score

Three Things That Matter:

• 1. Saint Louis FC paced the ball well early, holding 52% of the possession in the first half and moving the ball across the field fluidly. Ivan Mirkovic and Emir Alihodzic were responsible for this impressive control as they managed the middle of the field well, denying Swope Park’s transitions to offense as well as asserting aggression into the attacking third. The tide turned when the teams came out for the second half as Swope Park dominated the possession battle and fell into a rhythm on offense in the last 30 minutes of the match. Whether it was the rain or fatigue that affected hosts the most, it was clear to see that the Rangers came out of the locker room prepared to win.
   
• 2. Emmanuel Appiah continued to standout on the Saint Louis FC attack after earning the game-winner in their last contest against the Richmond Kickers. Saint Louis appears to have a sense of urgency in their play as the USL enters the last third of the 2017 regular season, which can be partially credited to the former Swope Park forward. The club entered this match just four points out of the playoffs and had only played 19 games, but it seems that Appiah has helped them improve play heading into the end of the year. The forward appeared to always be in the right place at the right time, attempting multiple shots from space and leading the host’s attack.
   
• 3. Darrin MacLeod made his professional debut in net for the Swope Park Rangers after being signed to the club back in February. The Ontario native played for multiple years in the PDL as a goalkeeper for Toronto FC Academy during his years at Drake University. In his senior year at Drake University he led the club to a 13-5-3 record and recorded seven shutouts. The 23-year-old also is the all-time program leader at Drake in games, minutes, saves, shutout and wins. MacLeod had an outstanding debut, holding off Saint Louis’ aggression in the first half and saving a penalty kick from Octavio Guzman to keep the game scoreless.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match
Konrad Plewa, Saint Louis FC – The defender stood tall for Saint Louis FC, shutting down multiple scoring opportunities and even blocking a strong shot from Moloto when Adam Grinwis was out of position.

Upcoming Games:
Saint Louis FC at Tulsa Roughnecks FC – August 10, 7:30 p.m. CT, ONEOK Field
Swope Park Rangers vs. Orange County SC – August 5, 7:30 p.m. CT, Children’s Mercy Victory Field