Real Salt Lake Defender Joins AC St. Louis On-Loan

ST. LOUIS, MO (July 19, 2010) – AC St. Louis, playing in the USSF Division 2 Pro League, has reached an agreement with Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer to acquire defender Chris Schuler, 22, on-loan for next four games, and possibly more, of the 2010 season.

Schuler will join AC St. Louis at the halfway point in their season. The 6’4” center back was originally drafted by Real Salt Lake in the third round of the 2010 MLS SuperDraft with the 39th overall selection. Schuler, a native of Aurora, Illinois, has yet to make a first team appearance for Real Salt Lake.

“We are very pleased to be adding a player with this type of ability to our backline,” stated General Manager Tim Owens. “In the past month our team has played very well, and they are now in a position to challenge for a playoff spot. This club has a crowded fixture list ahead of them. Therefore, we felt we needed some more depth in the defense, which is exactly what a player of Schuler’s pedigree brings us.”

Schuler was a four-year stand out under Bob Warming at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. Schuler, a co-captain in his senior year, was named to the All-Missouri Valley Conference team three times. He was named MVC Defensive Player of the Year in his junior season of 2008, and was an NSCAA Second Team All-American as well that year.

Schuler, born in St. Louis, is a native of Aurora, Illinois, and a product of the prestigious Chicago Magic Soccer Club. Schuler led the Magic to multiple Illinois State Cup Titles from 2001 to 2004. He was also a PARADE All-American in 2005. He attended Waubonsie Valley High School.

Chris Schuler’s first home match with AC St. Louis will be on Saturday July 28 match against the Portland Timbers. Tickets are still available and can be obtained by calling 1-888-STL-GOAL, or by visiting www.ac-stlouis.com.

ABOUT AC ST. LOUIS
AC St. Louis will play its first year of professional soccer in the USSF Division 2 Pro League in 2010. The team was formally launched in November of 2009. AC St. Louis will play their home games at The Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park in suburban St. Louis. Season tickets and group tickets for AC St. Louis are currently on sale. For information call 1-888-STL-GOAL.