ST. LOUIS — St. Louis City SC announced Bradley Carnell as the inaugural head coach for the team that will join the MLS in 2023.
Carnell played for Germany’s Bundesliga and was a standout on the South Africa Men's National Team. He made three starts in the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
As a coach, Carnell was an MLS assistant coach with the New York Red Bulls and stepped up as interim coach in 2020.
"I am looking forward to establishing a team that reflects St. Louis – one that’s diverse, hardworking and community led," said Carnell in an emailed press release. "I am thrilled to help create the future of the sport in an incredible soccer city.”
City SC called the announcement "another big step towards (the team's) historic, inaugural season in 2023."
"Lutz [Pfannenstiel]’s vision matches my ambitions of building a competitive team through the heavy use of data, technology and a keen focus on individual player development," Carnell said.
As construction on St. Louis City SC's new stadium continues, the club recently opened up season ticket sales for their supporter section behind the north goal. Team officials said anyone considering snagging a spot in this section should be prepared to sing, chant, drum, wave banners and flags and just generally go all out for St. Louis’ new soccer team.
The club's MLS NEXT U-16 and U-17 teams have also started play in the development league.
Carnell was born in Johannesburg, South Africa.
MLS is slated to start its 2022 season at the end of February. St. Louis City SC will join the league in 2023.