St. Louis CITY SC Strengthens Team with Left Back Anthony Markanich

 St. Louis CITY SC Strengthens Team with Left Back Anthony Markanich

St. Louis CITY SC Strengthens Team with Left Back Anthony Markanich(Image-Getty)

St. Louis CITY SC has made an acquisition to strengthen their team, welcoming left back Anthony Markanich from the Colorado Rapids. This transaction involves a significant exchange, as St. Louis is trading their natural first-round pick in the upcoming 2024 MLS SuperDraft presented by adidas, along with a sum of up to $150,000 in General Allocation Money. The announcement was jointly made by both Western Conference clubs on Tuesday.

The transfer agreement, which centers around the talented 23-year-old player, who was originally selected as the 26th overall pick in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft, includes specific financial components. St. Louis will provide Markanich with a guaranteed $75,000 in General Allocation Money for the year 2023. Additionally, the deal outlines the potential for an extra $75,000 in General Allocation Money for the year 2024, contingent upon the achievement of certain predetermined performance targets.

Anthony Markanich, a graduate of Northern Illinois University, has notably appeared in 13 regular-season matches for the Colorado Rapids within the span of the last two years. During this period, he was included in the starting lineup for six of these matches, accumulating a total of 570 minutes on the field.

Expressing his enthusiasm about the acquisition, St. Louis sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel conveyed his satisfaction with bringing Anthony Markanich back to the Midwest. Pfannenstiel highlighted Markanich's admirable work ethic and his assertive play style as a left back, traits that are expected to enhance the team's defensive capabilities. The sporting director expressed confidence in Markanich's professional growth and development within the St. Louis CITY SC framework.

With the inclusion of Anthony Markanich in the roster, head coach Bradley Carnell gains increased versatility and options for the left back position. While John Nelson has predominantly occupied this role, Canadian international center back Kyle Hiebert has also been strategically positioned on the left side on occasions.

St. Louis CITY SC is currently in the midst of an extraordinary inaugural season in 2023, marked by significant achievements. Despite an unsatisfactory performance in the Leagues Cup, where the team was eliminated in the group stages, St. Louis remains on a positive trajectory. The club has impressively emerged as leaders in the Western Conference, amassing a notable total of 41 points. The team's upcoming league match is scheduled for Saturday, August 20, when they will host Austin FC. This match, which is set to take place at 9:30 pm ET, can be viewed via Apple TV - MLS Season Pass or FS1.