(ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI) — Peoria City secures its first win!
Peoria City’s 2025 USL League Two campaign starts out with three points as the Carp pull out a victory on the road.
The 2024 USL League Two National Finalists went up against one of the 2025 USL League Two expansion teams, FC Ambush in St. Louis, Missouri.
Both teams entering the newly-created Great Plains Division in the Central Conference. For reference, Peoria City played in the Heartland Division in 2024.
It was a beautiful night for the 7:00 p.m. kick-off at Missouri Baptist University’s Spartan Field, both sides unable to find the back of the net early on.
However, in the 17th minute, defender Alejandro Valverde (Clarke University) would seemingly attempt to cross the ball from the right side of the field after a cut through pass from Clarke teammate Luke Persenico.
But as fate would have it, Valverde’s ball would soar through the sky over the goalie’s head and into the far corner of the net.
The beautiful goal would help jump start the Carp’s chemistry and lead to many more scoring chances.
Just minutes later, in the 21st minute, Luke Persenico tallies another assist on the night with a cross into the box for Bradley University’s Kevin Mejias.
Mejias’ one-timer shot would find the back of the net, leaving the keeper no chance. The Carp head into half time up 2-0.
A chippy second half leads to multiple cards being handed out to each side. The Ambush would find their way onto the score sheet after a PK goal by their captain in the 75th minute.
But the Carp would hold on to win the game 2-1, securing the first victory of the season.
Midfielder Tommy Coughlin (Green Bay) would be awarded the Prairie Home Alliance Man of the Match award.
Peoria City takes on FC Ambush again next Saturday, May 17th, but this time at home.
The home opener has a 7:30 p.m. kick-off at Shea Stadium, tickets are on sale now!
Peoria City’s WPSL side has its first game this upcoming week, with an away match against FC Pride in Indianapolis, Indiana on Friday, May 16th.
The 6:00 p.m. Central Time (Indy is in Eastern Standard Time) kick-off will begin Peoria’s inaugural WPSL season.
Peoria City’s WPSL home opener takes place the following week on May 24th, with a 7:30 p.m. kick-off.
This upcoming week, Peoria City has a fan meet-and-greet at The Fox Pub on Tuesday from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Meet USL League Two players and staff at one of our River City Brews partners!
Thank you to everyone who traveled to St. Louis for the match, we can’t wait to welcome you to Shea Stadium next week!
#UpTheCarp
