MLS Studio Analyst Dax McCarty talks U.S. Soccer fandom, St. Louis CITY SC
McCarty discusses U.S. Soccer ahead of the 2026 World Cup, and what CITY SC needs to focus on this MLS season
ST. LOUIS, Mo. (Matrix Midwest) - MLS Studio Analyst Dax McCarty sat down with Matrix Midwest to give his thoughts on the impact St. Louis has had on U.S. Soccer fandom, and what he believes will be St. Louis CITY SC’s keys to success in 2025.
McCarty is a 19-year veteran of Major League Soccer. He began his career with FC Dallas in 2006 and went on to play for five other clubs, including Chicago Fire, New York Red Bulls, DC United, Nashville SC, and Atlanta United.
McCarty has made 14 appearances for the U.S. Men’s National Team and was a member of the 2008 U.S. Olympic team in Beijing.
He has been an analyst for MLS Season since retiring as a player in 2024.
St. Louis’s Role in Promoting U.S. Soccer
When it comes to and fandom towards U.S. Soccer, Dax says the increase in exposure and accessibility has played a massive role in its popularity.
“Anytime you see the World Cup come around every four years, you see it really ignite the ion amongst the people who love the game in this country. But also, the more casual fan really rides the wave of momentum that a World Cup brings.”
Since beginning his journey as a pro, Dax says he’s noticed an overall climb in for soccer, particularly at the MLS level.
“When I turned pro in 2006, you had maybe a couple hundred people who would come out to stand in the er section and sing and chant. But nowadays, you go to an MLS game, and you can barely hear the person talking next to you. It’s so loud. And that’s really impressive in of the growth, the ion of the game in this country and the knowledge.”
And he believes the growing love for local clubs will translate to for the National team.
“Fans are talking about the game more than they ever have. They’re consuming the game in so many different ways. And the 2026 World Cup should just add rocket fuel to all of that.”
As for St. Louis and its rich soccer history, Dax believes the city plays a massive role in continuing to build for the sport.
“St. Louis is the soccer capital of the United States. It’s been like that ever since I’ve been involved in the game. I think once the 2026 World Cup rolls around, you’re going to see plenty of watch parties. You’re going to see plenty of coverage emanating out of St. Louis.”
“When you think of soccer in this country, St. Louis, Missouri, always comes to the front of the mind.”
St. Louis CITY SC’s Expectations & Keys to Success
As St. Louis CITY SC traverses through its third season, Dax details what he’s seen so far from the club in 2025.
“Olof Mellberg has come in and done a wonderful job of establishing a defensive foundation for this team. You have one of the best goalkeepers in MLS in Roman Bürki, who’s out with an unfortunate injury right now. But, anytime you can establish a defensive identity, you’re always going to give yourself a chance in every single game.”
He adds that, despite a strong defensive line, other areas of the pitch will need to improve for the club to be successful.
“The thing that I would like to see St. Louis improve on is the attacking half of the field. They’ve really struggled to score goals and create chances.”
And there are several players who the veteran midfielder believes are key to making these changes.
“This team doesn’t have a designated No. 10 creative influence on their team, so it’s going to have to be scoring goals and attacking by committee. I look at Edu Löwen as one of their best players. He’s been on the team since their inception, and he’s the talisman for this team.”
“You have some really talented players in the attack in Simon Becher, Marcel Hartel, and João Klauss. These guys have to step up, and this is on Olof Mellberg to get the best out of these attacking players.”
If the club can find a way to make these changes, Dax says it should land them in a promising spot when all’s said and done.
“I don’t quite see them being good enough to finish in the top four, but they will make the playoffs and show improvement from last season.”
The full interview can be viewed above.
For more on St. Louis CITY SC, click here.
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