Matt Baker
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mattbakerstl.bsky.social
Matt Baker
@mattbakerstl.bsky.social
Girl dad | #AllForCITY Founder/Supporter | Contributor: 550 KTRS | Louligan | Soccer & STL | Mizzou | Chiefs

Host of @FlyoverFooty.bsky.social:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/flyover-footy-a-st-louis-city-sc-and-soccer-in-stl-podcast/id1529481082
These are the final option decisions to be made by CITY ahead of 2026 and this puts the roster at 24 going into the offseason.

Also noted in the press release is that the club remains in active discussions on potential returns for Henry Kessler, Conrad Wallem and Devin Padelford
November 25, 2025 at 3:17 PM
- Break for the 26 World Cup from 5/25-7/16 w/the resumption match a rivalry match to garner excitement ahead of the WC final
- Break after Decision Day for a FIFA int'l break (different from today as there's a break after the 1st round of playoff games)
- MLS All Star Game is on July 29 #AllForCITY
November 20, 2025 at 10:15 PM
We're not facing them. You don't get a yearly home/away to all teams cross conference right now. Something that should be changing w/the 27/28 move to single table/divisions.
November 20, 2025 at 10:11 PM
- CITY will have 11 home games from July-Oct after the WC.
- Includes 1st ever trips to NYCFC/DCU & 1st ever reg season match vs RBNY
- Decision Day is away to Houston on Nov 7 #AllForCITY
November 20, 2025 at 9:43 PM
- Rivalry matches vs SKC are both on weekdays. Thursday in STL & Wednesday in KCK.
- No match vs Chicago Fire (1st season w/o a reg season STL/CHI match)
- CITY only has 6 home games before the World Cup from Feb - May w/no back to back home games #AllForCITY
November 20, 2025 at 9:43 PM
Becher ended the presser as hype man for the SLU Mens Soccer team, hyping up their opportunity this week, the players, coaches and wishing them the best of luck. #AllForCITY
November 19, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Becher said they had conversations about his best position & he reiterated central, in a striker position vs out wide.

Becher noted this was his 1st postseason training.

Noted as Critch said, he took on a leader role a bit this postseason, though he missed “his buddy” in Klauss #AllForCITY
November 19, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Always talking to Critchley, always working w/the staff on where he can be best used at. He noted playing out wide due to injuries or otherwise and cutting in or as a 9. And no matter where, always pressing in the attack off the ball. #AllForCITY
November 19, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Noted having good mentors in Klauss, Teuchert, Hartel… guys who’ve played the highest level of the game & assuring him he’s doing the right things, having a growth mindset.

Becher noted a lot on growing related to his positioning and what was asked of him. #AllForCITY
November 19, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Becher then said that was much more in line with the work he put in. He then stepped away from statistics and talked about just continuing to work. Looking at his role, where he played and continuing to work on what he can. #AllForCITY
November 19, 2025 at 10:00 PM
On improving for next year: A lot is about the team’s identity and what you want it to be, gelling. Preseason will be very important. Optimistic looking forward.

Becher noted xG was low but called out PsxG (post shot xG) as “the quality of the shot” too and looking at that stuff. #AllForCITY
November 19, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Spending the time w/the guys in training, away from the week in/week out pressures of games was good. Hopefully not a situation they’re in again next year but good to work w/staff on things they might not have had a chance to in the season. #AllForCITY
November 19, 2025 at 10:00 PM
On Critch cont: Easy to see passion, players could see the passion in their coach. Obstacles in results but he always came back as a problem solver, not adding to a problem. “He has my full support.” #AllForCITY
November 19, 2025 at 9:54 PM
Durkin noted full confidence in med staff - "Tyler Harris and his crew do a good job."

On Critchley, Durkin noted his passion for the game and caring for the players. First in, last out kind of guy. #AllForCITY
November 19, 2025 at 9:54 PM
Said it can’t be identified as all soft tissue. There are some unlucky things that happened - noted injuries aren’t an excuse but were a roadblock that they had to get over & put behind them. Called this yr a “great learning lesson. Now we have 2 in 2 years & now we have to get it right” #AllForCITY
November 19, 2025 at 9:54 PM
Critchley looked at how can they get the most out of the players that were here - from high pressing to then shoring up the defense later in the year. Was tough having Burki injured, Kessler, himself, Tots taking a while w/his hamstring. #AllForCITY
November 19, 2025 at 9:54 PM
Durkin hasn’t had a chance to really talk to Corey Wray yet, he posited that Wray's focused on getting to know the club and signing new players rather than the ones currently here.

Durkin says “we’ve played multiple systems since I came here.” #AllForCITY
November 19, 2025 at 9:54 PM
For ’26 to be different: Durkin noted he’s started both his seasons off well under Carnell & Olof but it’s how to continue momentum. They’ve hit roadblocks each year, maybe become content, and Energizer Park should be a fortress and they need to get back to that. #AllForCITY
November 19, 2025 at 9:54 PM
On his option: He said he had some conversations in the back half of the year and then he got an email from the league that his option was picked up - noted it’s not the most glamorous thing but he’s grateful to the club for picking it up. #AllForCITY
November 19, 2025 at 9:54 PM