The City Spotlight

During the Y98 halftime show, Jen Siess talked with Dr. Kemba Noel-London, Executive Director of the CITY Futures Program, who shared her journey from Trinidad & Tobago to St. Louis, with education at St. Louis University, athletic training abroad and at Roosevelt High School, and now part of St. Louis CITY SC’s mission to make soccer accessible to all youth in the area, increasing diversity in The Beautiful Game. Dr. Noel-London talked about the program’s focus on reducing the economic and accessibility barriers to playing with the program’s FREE “Play On” program, using a play-based approach to teaching soccer, tactical and social-emotional learning, plus resources for aspiring coaches. Finally, she invited us all to learn more and consider participating by visiting their program page at www.stlcitysc.com/community/city-futures-program/ or by emailing [email protected].

During the Y98 pregame show, Jen Siess caught up with CITY backup goalkeeper, Ben Lundt, ahead of the team’s final game of the 2026 MLS regular season on Decision Day, taking on Houston. Lundt reflected on his role in the Open Cup championship win, sharing how being able to make that first save psychologically set the team up for success from the spot, forever commemorated in the first banner at Energizer Park. Big Ben also shared that, though winning is the best form of team bonding, a team is only as good as its last game - and that CITY’s focus is fully on breaking their 4-game league losing streak with a win against the Dynamo. Lundt and the team believe, with their underdog mentality, they’ve built a solid foundation to “bring it every single game because the second you give 5% less, the other team will be there”.

During the Y98 pregame show, Dale Schilly caught up with CITY Head Coach, Yoann Damet ahead of the team’s final game of the 2026 MLS regular season on Decision Day, taking on Houston. Coach Damet reflected on the team’s first full week of training in about a month giving them precious time to manage player loads, focus on physical/mental recovery, strengthen player connections, and tighten some tactical key aspects of the game in the hopes of breaking the team’s 4-game league losing streak and finish the season strong. Coach also talked about this third time facing the Dynamo this season as a chance to for the team to test themselves once again with an opponent who is very organized on defense and dangerous attacking in transition - with playoff positioning on the line that will give the game an even more competitive edge.

During the Y98 halftime show, Jen Siess visited in-booth with R.J. Crunk, President and CEO of Ronald McDonald House St. Louis. R.J. talked about the critical services the organization provides to families whose children are receiving medical care in St. Louis. He also shared the impact of CITY SC players who have visited the House several times, including making dinner and hanging out with the kids which means so much to the families in care. A sports town with a big heart, St. Louis CITY SC and other professional teams have provided various types of support to make the House a “home” - R.J. shared the contributions of CITY, the Cardinals, and the Blues, plus how all of us can get involved with and support the STL Ronald McDonald House in their efforts to support families with children in critical medical care.

During the Y98 pregame show, Jen Siess shared thoughts from CITY Midfielder, Carlo Holse, ahead of the team’s final of 7 matches in 21 days hosting San Diego FC at Energizer Park in their last home game of the 2026 MLS regular season. Holse talked about the normalcy of the ups and downs in The Beautiful Game as CITY looks to break their 3-game league losing streak and close the regular season strong. Though he also enjoys having many games in a row, Holse did acknowledge the training time is key for player relationships and planning for your opponent. Finally, CITY’s DP midfielder shared some of the adjustments the team has made to get him involved more in attack while they play without difference-maker, Alexandru Matan, who is still missing from play due to injury.

During the Y98 pregame show, Dale Schilly caught up with CITY Head Coach, Yoann Damet, ahead of the team’s final of 7 matches in 21 days hosting San Diego FC at Energizer Park in their last home game of the 2026 MLS regular season. Coach Damet reflected on his and the team’s journey this season with so much support from the fans at home and on the road, especially the Open Cup final. He also shared how having so many games in a congested schedule challenges the ability to train and grow players individually and collectively as a team - yet it’s something they need to embrace as they will continue to compete in multiple competitions next season. Finally, Coach talked about the currently injured midfielder, Alex Matan - a difference-maker on the pitch with his skill-set and game knowledge, yet believing there’s still more from Mati that we are yet to see.

During the Y98 halftime show, Jen Siess visited in-booth with St. Louis CITY SC CEO and Owner, Carolyn Kindle. Carolyn shared what CITY’s Open Cup championship final win meant to her and all CITY staff as they watched the team make history (earlier than planned) in front of so many fans who traveled to cheer them on. She also talked about believing in the vision of Sporting Director, Corey Wray, and Head Coach, Yoann Damet, as the team turned a shaky start into a winning season by also clinching an MLS playoff spot - always appreciating all of the dedicated fans who also kept believing along the way. Finally, Carolyn shared what’s next for the club in terms of continuing success on the pitch and hosting international events, further stamping St. Louis on the map in The Beautiful Game.

During the Y98 pregame show, Jen Siess shared thoughts from CITY Fullback, Conrad Wallem, ahead of the team’s sixth of seven matches in 21 days hosting the Portland Timbers at Energizer Park. Fresh off having stitches removed from his head injury during the Vancouver game, Wallem shared that he is OK and that hectic weeks with many games “are what you want” as a player competing in multiple competitions. He also talked about confidence from the Open Cup win, along with lessons from the team’s recent loss at RSL, focusing on certain moments that changed the game - yet ever confident that the team can bounce back quickly from mistakes and bring momentum into the MLS playoffs. Finally, Wallem shared thoughts on the team stepping up in leadership with goalkeeper and captain, Roman Burki, out on concussion protocol.

During the Y98 pregame show, Dale Schilly caught up with CITY Head Coach, Yoann Damet, ahead of the team’s sixth of seven matches in 21 days hosting the Portland Timbers at Energizer Park. Coach Damet talked about CITY’s performance in recent regular season games given the context of the Open Cup championship final plus travel on the road - turning the page and looking forward to playing in front of STL fans once again at Energizer Park. He also talked about the importance of players always being ready to step up during a congested schedule to keep performance consistent and finish the season strong, remaining relentless in everything they do. Finally, Coach talked about the importance of preparing, reflecting, and recovering quickly to perform and bring momentum into the MLS playoffs.

During the Y98 halftime show, Jen Siess talked with Diego Gigliani, President and General Manager of St. Louis CITY SC. Diego shared the emotions for himself and the club after CITY recently won the Open Cup Championship - the first time for the club and the 11th championship title for the city of St. Louis in Open Cup history. He also talked about the club’s continued commitment to winning from all staff and players to the ownership group who are all ambitious and optimistic about the club’s future. Diego also gave a special shout out to all STL fans, from those who traveled to Columbus to support the team in person, to the many back home at watch parties cheering them on. Finally, Diego shared that St. Louis fans will be able to view and take pictures with the Open Cup trophy before their next home game against Portland which will also feature the trophy in the pregame ceremony.