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AC St. Louis Score Dramatic 2-1 Win Over Austin

September 18, 2010 - U.S. Soccer Federation D-2 (USSF D-2)
AC St. Louis News Release


ST. LOUIS, MO - AC St. Louis, playing in the USSF Division 2 Pro League, scored a dramatic 2-1 over the Austin Aztex Saturday night at The Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park in front of 2,620 fans. 16-year old sensation Luis Gil struck the game-winner in the third minute of stoppage time to give St. Louis the win, and keep their playoff hopes alive.

Luke Kreamalmeyer set up the go ahead goal for Gil. Kreamalmeyer made a run towards the top of the penalty area before sliding a pass to his right for the onrushing Gil who finished with a clean shot inside the far post. The goal was the first for Gil, on-loan from Real Salt Lake, as a professional.

"It was a good goal, and it was a good play, but I have to give the credit the rest of the team for putting in the hard work," said Gil. "I just had the easy work to put it in the goal. It is a really good feeling because we needed it, and it was the first of my professional career. I have to keep that ball!"

Before Gil struck the game-winner it looked as if AC St. Louis would suffer yet another crushing 90th minute set back. Leading 1-0 going into stoppage time AC St. Louis gave up the lead for the fifth time this year in the closing minutes when Edward Johnson ripped a second ball that came out of the penalty area to knot the game at 1-1. The loss of three points could have been a debilitating result for St. Louis, if not for Gil's late dramatics.

AC St. Louis took the lead in the second half from a fine passing sequence started by right-back Gauchinho. The Brazilian fed Mike Ambersley up the right wing. Ambersley then crossed for Chris Salvaggione who in turn slid a pass to his left for Brad Stisser. Stisser finished off his chance just inside the six-yard box to give AC St. Louis a 1-0 lead in 61st minute.

"Where was that last week," exclaimed Head Coach Dale Schilly. "The character displayed in that moment by our players was a testament to them. After last week's loss it would have been easy for them to pack it in. Today was our best 90-minute performance. As low as we were last week, we are as high this week. This was a crowning moment for us, one to hang our hats on."

The win keeps the playoff hopes for AC St. Louis alive as they now trail Montreal by five points for the eighth and final position. Montreal will be in action Sunday, September 19, against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. AC St. Louis now takes to the road for two games this coming week. Wednesday midweek will see them play in Miami, and next Saturday they will visit Austin.

The two sides played to a scoreless first half, despite AC St. Louis having the better scoring chances. Most notably among them was a 30-yard plus effort from Mike Ambersley. St. Louis' leading scorer ripped a shot from straight away midfield that crashed off the face of the crossbar. The near goal would have been a contender for goal of the year had Ambersley's shot dipped just a whisker lower.

AC St. Louis next returns home on Saturday, October 2, against the Rochester Rhinos for their season finale. Tickets for the match are still available. Call 1-888-STL-GOAL or visit www.ac-stlouis.com.

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