Local Talent Added to STL FC Squad
March 13, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Saint Louis FC News Release
ST. LOUIS, Mo. - Saint Louis FC has announced the signings of three St. Louis natives to the team's 2015 roster. The newest signings include forward Mike Roach, midfielder Jack Mathis, and defender Chad Vandegriffe.
Mike Roach - F / St. Louis, Missouri
Roach, 26, arrives at Saint Louis FC with an extensive background at the professional level. Roach was drafted by the New England Revolution in the fourth round of the 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft, making ten appearances for New England.
Prior to joining the Revs, Roach split his college career with Indiana University and Saint Louis University. He played three seasons at SLU, scoring 14 goals and adding seven assists in 34 appearances.
"Mike has had a very solid preseason," Head Coach Dale Schilly said. "Day in and day out, he has brought an admirable level of intensity to each training session. Mike has good feet, a high work ethic, and good attacking insight. Those attributes will allow him to help press and disrupt the flow of the opposition."
Roach returned to his hometown in the 2013-14 season as a member of the St. Louis Ambush.
Chad Vandegriffe - D / St. Louis, Missouri
Vandegriffe, 25, will join STL FC after playing one season in the Major Indoor Soccer League with the St. Louis Ambush.
The defender began his collegiate career at SMU before transferring to Saint Louis University. Vandegriffe started in 26 games for the Billikens, earning honorable mention All-Atlantic 10 Conference in 2011 and A10 Conference All-Tournament Team in 2012.
"Chad's experience both as an indoor and outdoor player offers important insight to the team," Schilly said. "Chad brings a voice to every training session and game. His communication skills are imperative to such a young team."
Vandegriffe helped lead Chaminade to the Missouri Class 3 State Championship in 2006. He also helped lead his club team, Scott Gallagher, to Missouri State Championships in 2005, 2006, and 2007.
Jack Mathis - M / Chesterfield, Missouri
Jack Mathis, 22, finished his four-year collegiate career at Drury University in 2014. He earned First Team All-GLVC honors and First Team All-NSCAA Midwest Region honors.
Jack Mathis was a mainstay in the Panthers' midfield, scoring 17 goals (including nine game-winners) in 74 starts.
"The coaching staff is very excited to have Jack on the roster," Schilly said. "He's very technical, a good passer, and has a creative way of solving problems within a game. We are anxious to see how he continues to develop in a professional environment."
Mathis played his prep soccer at DeSmet High School in St. Louis and helped his club team to a 5A State Championship in 2010.
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