The Last Gasp of St. Louis CITY SC with Alfredo Morales | OneFootball

If there’s one thing that defines St. Louis CITY SC, it’s boldness. In a league where the average age of players keeps dropping and the youth movement reigns behind the scenes, the club decided to swim against the tide and brought in a veteran: Alfredo Morales, 34 years old, former U.S. national team member, and with stints at German clubs.

Morales has plenty of experience under his belt. Spending over a decade in the German leagues, wearing the jerseys of traditional teams like Hertha Berlin, Ingolstadt, and Fortuna Düsseldorf, is no small feat. He’s also had his time in MLS, playing for New York City FC and the San Jose Earthquakes, racking up 100 appearances and seven assists.

At 34, the real question isn’t whether Morales still has the talent, it’s whether he’s got the legs to keep up with the fast-paced, high-intensity style of Major League Soccer. Sure, the MLS may not be the Premier League, but it’s no retirement home either. Anyone who’s watched a full season knows the game is physical, it’s quick, and it demands a lot athletically.

If there’s any factor that makes this gamble seem worth it, it’s Lutz Pfannenstiel’s presence. The sporting director of St. Louis not only knows Morales from his time at Fortuna Düsseldorf, but he also knows exactly what he’s getting. This wasn’t a blind move. Lutz has seen Morales in action up close and believes the guy still has something to offer. Let’s be honest, this isn’t a guy who makes impulsive decisions. We’re talking about someone who’s traveled the world as both a player and a director, he’s a strategist who always has a well-thought-out plan.

Another big plus with Morales coming in is the impact he could have off the field. He’s not just an experienced player, he’s a guy who knows what it takes to win, to compete at the highest level, and to adapt to different styles of play. For a team still figuring out its identity in the MLS, a locker room leader like him could be a huge asset. Fans don’t care about a motivational speech before the game. What matters is what happens when the ball starts rolling. If Morales can’t keep up with the tempo, all that talk of experience will be just that, talk.

Another key piece in this puzzle is Olof Mellberg, the new head coach of St. Louis CITY SC. The Swedish former defender, now looking to establish himself as a coach, is going to have to fit Morales into his system. If he’s looking for a midfielder to bring some calm and control to the game, Morales could be a solid choice. But if the plan is to build a fast-transitioning, youthful, high-energy squad, the veteran might end up being more of a square peg in a round hole.

It all comes down to how Mellberg sees this roster and what identity he wants for St. Louis in 2025. The season opener against Colorado Rapids, set for today, February 22, will be a first clue of what we can expect.