St. Louis Lions
Encyclopedia
St. Louis Lions is an American soccer team based in St. Louis, Missouri
, United States
. Founded in 2006, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League
(PDL), the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid
, in the Heartland Division of the Central Conference.
The team plays its home games at the Tony Glavin Soccer Complex in nearby Cottleville, Missouri
, where they have played since 2006. The team's colors are green and white.
The Lions also field a team in the USL’s Super-20 League
, a league for players 17 to 20 years of age run under the United Soccer Leagues
umbrella.
In 2011 the Lions officially became a partner with Celtic Football Club
, which will see Tony Glavin's youth academy of every age parterning with Celtic coaches to further their individual training as well as establishing connections with not only Celtic but further worldwide footballing organizations.
, who played for Queen's Park
in Scotland in the 1980s and for the old St. Louis Steamers
in the Major Indoor Soccer League
. The first couple of games were difficult for the Lions, as they struggled to find their feet in the PDL. They lost their opening fixture 2-0 to Des Moines Menace
, and despite a come-from-behind 3-2 win over Sioux Falls Spitfire
, finished their first month in competition with just four points on the board. However, the 0-0 tie with Colorado Springs Blizzard
on May 28 initiated an astonishing 12-game unbeaten streak which stretched to the end of the season. The Lions were rampant, tallying several impressive victories (3-0 over West Michigan Edge
, 5-1 over Cleveland Internationals
), and keeping their home at the Tony Glavin Complex a fortress. Despite this, the Lions just failed to make the playoffs, beaten into fourth place in the Heartland Division by their strong opponents -but nevertheless, 7 wins and 27 points in their debut season was a promising beginning for the franchise. Strikers Lawrence Olum
and Tommy Heinemann
were the top scorers with 17 goals between them.
The 2007 season was better still for the Lions, as they made the playoffs for the first time, at the second attempt. The Lions were certainly one of the more entertaining teams in the division, going through the entire season without a single tie: wins included a several high-scoring encounters with Springfield Demize
, an impressive 4-1 road victory over Thunder Bay Chill
that featured a hat trick from Tommy Heinemann
, a see-sawing 4-3 win over Indiana Invaders
at the beginning of July, and a devastating 8-0 demolition of Springfield which saw them secure their playoff spot before the final weekend. The Lions finished the year second in the Heartland behind Thunder Bay, but unfortunately their trip to the post-season was a short one, as they were comprehensively beaten 4-1 by Great Lakes champions Michigan Bucks
. Tommy Heinemann
was again the Lions' top scorer with 14 goals, while Jarius Holmes
tallied 7 assists.
Having enjoyed a successful sophomore season, the Lions were looking for more success in 2008, and started the year well: they began their campaign with a 6-game unbeaten run that included an impressive opening day victory on the road at regional powerhouse Des Moines Menace
. Their string early season form also took the Lions to the US Open Cup for the first time, where they faced USL1 franchise Minnesota Thunder
, who eventually ran out 4-1 winners. Unfortunately, the month of June saw the Lions play Thunder Bay Chill
four times in nine days - twice at home, twice in Ontario - and lose each game, scoring four goals but conceding 11 to the eventual national champions. These games seemed to affect St. Louis' confidence, and they struggled through their last six games: the hopeless Springfield Demize
made them score two late goals to secure an uncharacteristically difficult 3-2 win (although they did beat their Missouri rivals 4-0 next time out), and they traded a barrage of goals with Colorado Rapids U23's only to eventually run out on the wrong end of a 5-4 scoreline. The Lions' playoff push was floundering by the last day of the season, and although they beat Kansas City Brass
3-2 on the final game, other results did not go their way, and they ended the year in fourth, two points off the post-season slot. The prolific Tommy Heinemann
was the Lions' top scorer for the third straight year with 13 goals, while Jarius Holmes
again tallied 7 assists.
On December 17, 2008, Lions owner Tony Glavin announced his intention for the team to turn professional and join the USL First Division
in time for the 2010 season, but these plans were shelved following the dispute between USL team owners and the subsequent formation of the new North American Soccer League
.
Calum Angus
Tom Heinemann Jarius Holmes
Lawrence Olum
Kyle Patterson
supporters, The Louligans are the largest organized supporters group in the St. Louis area, in addition to being an all-soccer fan club by providing gameday support for the Illinois Piasa and St. Louis University Billikins Soccer Club.St. Louligans Online
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis is an independent city on the eastern border of Missouri, United States. With a population of 319,294, it was the 58th-largest U.S. city at the 2010 U.S. Census. The Greater St...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. Founded in 2006, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League
USL Premier Development League
The USL Premier Development League is the amateur league of the United Soccer Leagues in the United States, Canada, and Bermuda, forming part of the American Soccer Pyramid...
(PDL), the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid
American Soccer Pyramid
The United States soccer pyramid is a term used in soccer to describe the structure of the league system in the United States. The country's governing body for the sport, the United States Soccer Federation , oversees the system but does not operate any of its component leagues—with one temporary...
, in the Heartland Division of the Central Conference.
The team plays its home games at the Tony Glavin Soccer Complex in nearby Cottleville, Missouri
Cottleville, Missouri
Cottleville is a city in St. Charles County, Missouri, United States. The population was 3,227 at the 2009 census estimate.-Schools:Cottleville is home to the Francis Howell Central High School Spartans and Louis C. Saeger Middle School Spartans. At Saeger Middle there is an annual Turkey Ball...
, where they have played since 2006. The team's colors are green and white.
The Lions also field a team in the USL’s Super-20 League
Super-20 League
The United Soccer Leagues Super-20 League is an American-Canadian soccer league for players 17 to 20 years of age. Introduced in 2006 it took the place of the U-19 age bracket in the Super Y-League....
, a league for players 17 to 20 years of age run under the United Soccer Leagues
United Soccer Leagues
The United Soccer Leagues is the organizer of several soccer leagues with teams in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. It includes men's and women's leagues, both professional and amateur. Leagues currently organized are the USL Pro, the USL Premier Development League, the W-League, and...
umbrella.
In 2011 the Lions officially became a partner with Celtic Football Club
Celtic F.C.
Celtic Football Club is a Scottish football club based in the Parkhead area of Glasgow, which currently plays in the Scottish Premier League. The club was established in 1887, and played its first game in 1888. Celtic have won the Scottish League Championship on 42 occasions, most recently in the...
, which will see Tony Glavin's youth academy of every age parterning with Celtic coaches to further their individual training as well as establishing connections with not only Celtic but further worldwide footballing organizations.
History
The St. Louis Lions entered the PDL in 2006 under the leadership of Scottish-born former professional Tony GlavinTony Glavin
Tony Glavin is a Scottish former professional footballer who played as a midfielder in both Scotland and the United States, making over 300 career appearances. He is currently Head Coach of the St...
, who played for Queen's Park
Queen's Park F.C.
Queen's Park Football Club are an association football club based in Glasgow, Scotland. The club are currently the only amateur club in the Scottish League; their amateur status is reflected by their motto, Ludere Causa Ludendi – to play for the sake of playing.Queen's Park are the oldest...
in Scotland in the 1980s and for the old St. Louis Steamers
St. Louis Steamers (1979–1988)
The original St. Louis Steamers played in the original Major Indoor Soccer League from 1979 through 1988. Their home fixtures were held at the St. Louis Arena.-Ownership:* Ben Kerner & Partnership * Thomas M...
in the Major Indoor Soccer League
Major Soccer League
The Major Indoor Soccer League, known in its final two seasons as the Major Soccer League, was an indoor soccer league in the USA from 1978 to 1992. After the folding of the North American Soccer League in 1984, the MISL was the Division I soccer league for the United States...
. The first couple of games were difficult for the Lions, as they struggled to find their feet in the PDL. They lost their opening fixture 2-0 to Des Moines Menace
Des Moines Menace
Des Moines Menace is an American soccer team based in Des Moines, Iowa, United States. Founded in 1994, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Heartland Division of the Central Conference.The team plays its home games at Valley...
, and despite a come-from-behind 3-2 win over Sioux Falls Spitfire
Sioux Falls Spitfire
Sioux Falls Spitfire was an American soccer team, founded in 2001. The team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, until 2007, when the team left the league and the franchise was terminated.The team played its home...
, finished their first month in competition with just four points on the board. However, the 0-0 tie with Colorado Springs Blizzard
Colorado Springs Blizzard
Colorado Springs Blizzard were an American soccer team, founded in 2004. The team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, until 2006, when the team left the league and the franchise was terminated.The Blizzard played...
on May 28 initiated an astonishing 12-game unbeaten streak which stretched to the end of the season. The Lions were rampant, tallying several impressive victories (3-0 over West Michigan Edge
West Michigan Edge
West Michigan Edge was an American soccer team based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States. Founded in 1995, the team played in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, until 2008, when the franchise folded and the team left the league.The team played...
, 5-1 over Cleveland Internationals
Cleveland Internationals
Cleveland Internationals was an American soccer team based in Cleveland, Ohio, United States. Founded in 2004, the team played in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Great Lakes Division of the Central Conference...
), and keeping their home at the Tony Glavin Complex a fortress. Despite this, the Lions just failed to make the playoffs, beaten into fourth place in the Heartland Division by their strong opponents -but nevertheless, 7 wins and 27 points in their debut season was a promising beginning for the franchise. Strikers Lawrence Olum
Lawrence Olum
Lawrence Olum is a Kenyan professional footballer who plays for Sporting Kansas City in Major League Soccer, as a midfielder.-College and amateur:...
and Tommy Heinemann
Tommy Heinemann
Tom Heinemann is an American soccer player who currently plays for Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer.-Youth and College:...
were the top scorers with 17 goals between them.
The 2007 season was better still for the Lions, as they made the playoffs for the first time, at the second attempt. The Lions were certainly one of the more entertaining teams in the division, going through the entire season without a single tie: wins included a several high-scoring encounters with Springfield Demize
Springfield Demize
Springfield Demize is an American soccer team based in Springfield, Missouri, United States. Founded in 2006, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Heartland Division of the Central Conference.The team plays its home games at...
, an impressive 4-1 road victory over Thunder Bay Chill
Thunder Bay Chill
Thunder Bay Chill is a Canadian soccer team based in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. Founded in 2000, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American and Canadian soccer pyramids, in the Heartland Division of the Central Conference.The team plays its home games...
that featured a hat trick from Tommy Heinemann
Tommy Heinemann
Tom Heinemann is an American soccer player who currently plays for Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer.-Youth and College:...
, a see-sawing 4-3 win over Indiana Invaders
Indiana Invaders
Indiana Invaders is an American soccer team based in South Bend, Indiana, United States. Founded in 1998, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Great Lakes Division of the Central Conference.The team plays its home games at the...
at the beginning of July, and a devastating 8-0 demolition of Springfield which saw them secure their playoff spot before the final weekend. The Lions finished the year second in the Heartland behind Thunder Bay, but unfortunately their trip to the post-season was a short one, as they were comprehensively beaten 4-1 by Great Lakes champions Michigan Bucks
Michigan Bucks
Michigan Bucks is an American soccer team based in Pontiac, Michigan, United States. Founded in 1995, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Great Lakes Division of the Central Conference.The team plays its home games at the...
. Tommy Heinemann
Tommy Heinemann
Tom Heinemann is an American soccer player who currently plays for Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer.-Youth and College:...
was again the Lions' top scorer with 14 goals, while Jarius Holmes
Jarius Holmes
Jarius Holmes is an American soccer player, currently playing for St. Louis Lions in the USL Premier Development League.-Youth and Amateur:...
tallied 7 assists.
Having enjoyed a successful sophomore season, the Lions were looking for more success in 2008, and started the year well: they began their campaign with a 6-game unbeaten run that included an impressive opening day victory on the road at regional powerhouse Des Moines Menace
Des Moines Menace
Des Moines Menace is an American soccer team based in Des Moines, Iowa, United States. Founded in 1994, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Heartland Division of the Central Conference.The team plays its home games at Valley...
. Their string early season form also took the Lions to the US Open Cup for the first time, where they faced USL1 franchise Minnesota Thunder
Minnesota Thunder
Minnesota Thunder was an American professional soccer team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. Founded in 1990, the team played in the USL First Division , the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, until 2009. The team played its home games at the National Sports Center in nearby...
, who eventually ran out 4-1 winners. Unfortunately, the month of June saw the Lions play Thunder Bay Chill
Thunder Bay Chill
Thunder Bay Chill is a Canadian soccer team based in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. Founded in 2000, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American and Canadian soccer pyramids, in the Heartland Division of the Central Conference.The team plays its home games...
four times in nine days - twice at home, twice in Ontario - and lose each game, scoring four goals but conceding 11 to the eventual national champions. These games seemed to affect St. Louis' confidence, and they struggled through their last six games: the hopeless Springfield Demize
Springfield Demize
Springfield Demize is an American soccer team based in Springfield, Missouri, United States. Founded in 2006, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Heartland Division of the Central Conference.The team plays its home games at...
made them score two late goals to secure an uncharacteristically difficult 3-2 win (although they did beat their Missouri rivals 4-0 next time out), and they traded a barrage of goals with Colorado Rapids U23's only to eventually run out on the wrong end of a 5-4 scoreline. The Lions' playoff push was floundering by the last day of the season, and although they beat Kansas City Brass
Kansas City Brass
Kansas City Brass is an American soccer team based in Kansas City, Missouri, United States. Founded in 1997, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Heartland Division of the Central Conference.The team plays its home games on...
3-2 on the final game, other results did not go their way, and they ended the year in fourth, two points off the post-season slot. The prolific Tommy Heinemann
Tommy Heinemann
Tom Heinemann is an American soccer player who currently plays for Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer.-Youth and College:...
was the Lions' top scorer for the third straight year with 13 goals, while Jarius Holmes
Jarius Holmes
Jarius Holmes is an American soccer player, currently playing for St. Louis Lions in the USL Premier Development League.-Youth and Amateur:...
again tallied 7 assists.
On December 17, 2008, Lions owner Tony Glavin announced his intention for the team to turn professional and join the USL First Division
USL First Division
The United Soccer Leagues First Division was a professional men's soccer league in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico....
in time for the 2010 season, but these plans were shelved following the dispute between USL team owners and the subsequent formation of the new North American Soccer League
North American Soccer League (2010)
The North American Soccer League is a professional men's soccer league in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico which began league play on April 9, 2011. It has been provisionally sanctioned as the second tier of soccer in the United States soccer pyramid, behind Major League Soccer in the...
.
Current roster
As of June 4, 2011.Notable former players
This list of notable former players comprises players who went on to play professional soccer after playing for the team in the Premier Development League, or those who previously played professionally before joining the team.Calum Angus
Calum Angus
Calum Angus is an English footballer currently playing for GAIS of Sweden's Allsvenskan.-Youth and College:After being released by home town team Portsmouth F.C. in 2004, Angus was offered a soccer scholarship at Saint Louis University...
Tom Heinemann Jarius Holmes
Jarius Holmes
Jarius Holmes is an American soccer player, currently playing for St. Louis Lions in the USL Premier Development League.-Youth and Amateur:...
Lawrence Olum
Lawrence Olum
Lawrence Olum is a Kenyan professional footballer who plays for Sporting Kansas City in Major League Soccer, as a midfielder.-College and amateur:...
Kyle Patterson
Kyle Patterson
Kyle Patterson is an English footballer, who plays for Conference National side Tamworth, where he plays as a striker.-Youth and college:...
Year-by-year
| Year | Division | League | Regular Season | Playoffs | Open Cup |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 4 | USL PDL | 4th, Heartland | Did not qualify | Did not qualify |
| 2007 | 4 | USL PDL | 2nd, Heartland | Conference Semifinals | Did not qualify |
| 2008 | 4 | USL PDL | 4th, Heartland | Did not qualify | 1st Round |
| 2009 | 4 | USL PDL | 4th, Heartland | Did not qualify | 1st Round |
| 2010 | 4 | USL PDL | 5th, Heartland | Did not qualify | Did not qualify |
| 2011 | 4 | USL PDL | 5th, Heartland | Did not qualify | Did not qualify |
Stadia
- Tony Glavin Soccer Complex; Cottleville, MissouriCottleville, MissouriCottleville is a city in St. Charles County, Missouri, United States. The population was 3,227 at the 2009 census estimate.-Schools:Cottleville is home to the Francis Howell Central High School Spartans and Louis C. Saeger Middle School Spartans. At Saeger Middle there is an annual Turkey Ball...
(2006–present) - Stadium at Lindenwood UniversityLindenwood UniversityLindenwood University, often referred to as Lindenwood or LU, is a private, coeducational, liberal arts university located in Saint Charles, Missouri, United States...
; Saint Charles, MissouriSaint Charles, MissouriSt. Charles is a city in, and the county seat of, St. Charles County, Missouri. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 65,794, making St. Charles the 2nd largest city in St. Charles County. It lies just to the northwest of St. Louis, Missouri on the Missouri River, and, for a time,...
1 game (2011)
Supporters
St. Louligans: Established in the summer of 2010 from multiple groups of then AC St. LouisAC St. Louis
Athletic Club of St. Louis, commonly referred to as AC St. Louis, was an American professional soccer team based in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. Founded in December 2009, the team played its first and only season the next year in the NASL Conference of the temporary USSF D2 Pro League, the...
supporters, The Louligans are the largest organized supporters group in the St. Louis area, in addition to being an all-soccer fan club by providing gameday support for the Illinois Piasa and St. Louis University Billikins Soccer Club.St. Louligans Online
Average attendance
Attendance stats are calculated by averaging each team's self-reported home attendances from the historical match archive at http://www.uslsoccer.com/history/index_E.html.- 2006: 336 (8th in PDL)
- 2007: 561
- 2008: 377
- 2009: 301
- 2010: 287