Zalinsky scores first professional goal to help CITY SC advance in U.S. Open Cup

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (Matrix Midwest) - St. Louis CITY SC defeated Union Omaha 2-0 Wednesday night in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 32.

After a scoreless first half at Energizer Park, 2025 MLS SuperDraft selection Joey Zalinsky sent a rocket from outside the box, past the diving Omaha goalkeeper and straight into the bottom left corner of the goal.

Zalinsky scored his first-ever professional goal in his first appearance for CITY SC, earning him Man of the Match honors.

“I spoke about it yesterday that he was probably going to get the chance to play,” said Coach Olof Mellberg. “We decided from the start, and I thought he did really well and deserved a goal.”

“Joey has been working so hard since preseason, and did a great job in preseason,” said forward João Klauss. “He’s a guy that brings a lot of energy and positivity every day. Yeah, we are very, very happy for him.”

In the 87th minute, Klauss added to St. Louis’s advantage.

The team’s No. 9 made it 2-0 following a low-driven shot into the bottom right corner off a from Cedric Teuchert during a counter attack, sealing the victory.

“We hope that we can build from this game,” Klauss said. “As I say, there are a lot of things that we have to fix, but yeah, it’s always important to get a win.”

CITY SC finished with 62 percent possession and 24 total shots, 10 on target.

St. Louis is now 2-0 against Union Omaha, and will move on to face Minnesota United on May 21 for the Round of 16.

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