St. Louis CITY SC's 2025 MLS Debut Set to Smash Expectations | OneFootball

St. Louis CITY SC is about to kick off its 2025 MLS season, and the Energizer Park debut is shaping up to be one heck of a show. The stage is set, the home crowd is fired up, but will this opener be a party or a reality check? The matchup against Colorado Rapids on February 22 at 7:30 p.m. (CT) isn’t just the first game of the season, it’s also the first big test for new head coach Olof Mellberg.

Once the whistle blows, St. Louis CITY SC will be facing a tough truth. Colorado Rapids isn’t just some pushover. They may not be the media darlings, but history is on their side. With two wins and a draw in their last three meetings against St. Louis, the visitors have every reason to feel confident. And for the home team, that’s not exactly a comforting stat.

Of course, St. Louis CITY SC has plenty of firepower too. They’ve got a rock-solid goalkeeper in Roman Bürki, who, back in 2023, pulled off 12 jaw-dropping saves in a single game against Colorado. This guy isn’t just a name on the lineup, he’s a wall. And if their defense is already a force to be reckoned with, their attack, though still finding its groove, has been showing real promise. By the second half of 2024, the team was clicking, averaging nearly two goals per game. That’s the kind of momentum that can give any opponent a headache, especially on home turf.

Speaking of home, it’s impossible to ignore St. Louis’s brand-new fortress, Energizer Park. On game day, it’s going to be rocking. If you’re into pre-game festivities, you’re in for a treat, the British rock band The Struts will be taking the stage, the iconic Clydesdales are making an appearance, and there are plenty of promotional events to keep fans hyped. With 22,500 passionate supporters packing the stands, the place is going to feel like a pressure cooker.

But Colorado Rapids didn’t make the trip just to play the background role. They’ve already started the season on a high note, taking down LAFC 2-1 in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. That win wasn’t just a fluke, it was a warning shot. And St. Louis better be ready because this Colorado squad isn’t going to be rattled by a rowdy stadium. Even on the road, they’ve got weapons. Djordje Mihailovic, who bagged both goals against LAFC, is one of them. Give him space, and St. Louis could be in for a long night.

But this game is about more than just stats, goals, or past matchups. It’s the start of a new chapter for St. Louis CITY SC. Olof Mellberg has a golden opportunity to prove why he was brought in to lead this team. The Swedish coach seems like a promising hire, but he won’t get a grace period, pressure comes with the job, and in a city with fans as passionate as St. Louis, expectations aren’t just high; they’re sky-high.

Last season was a rollercoaster for St. Louis CITY SC. They hit their stride late, shining in the Leagues Cup and making opponents sweat. The additions of Marcel Hartel, Cedric Teuchert, and Simon Becher helped the attack find its rhythm, making them a much more dangerous squad.

On the flip side, Colorado Rapids had a solid 2024. They weren’t the flashiest team, but they got the job done, clinching a playoff spot and making life difficult for some of the league’s best. Beating a powerhouse like LAFC right out of the gate this year only adds to their confidence. They know they belong, and they’re ready to prove it again.

St. Louis CITY SC wants to show they can handle the grind of MLS, while Colorado Rapids wants to prove last season was no fluke. St. Louis may have the energy, but Colorado’s got the experience and the swagger of a team that’s been here before.