Mike Ambersley Fires St. Louis Past Baltimore

ST. LOUIS, MO (July 24, 2010) – AC St. Louis, playing in the USSF Division 2 Pro League, beat Crystal Palace Baltimore 1-0 on Saturday afternoon in Maryland. The match was the last in a four game road swing that also saw St. Louis visit Minnesota, Austin, and Montreal. The win propelled St. Louis to within one point of Baltimore in the standings and back into playoff contention.

Mike Ambersley made his way back onto the score sheet as his late second half strike gave St. Louis a 1-0 lead. The win moved AC St. Louis off the bottom of the table for the first time this season. AC St. Louis now has a record of 4-10-4.

The St. Louis offense got off to a go start in the oppressive heat that the East Coast is experiencing. An early free kick by Luke Kreamalmeyer in the third minute, and a sixth minute chance by Tim Velten helped establish a better AC St. Louis attack than seen in the previous two games. Jeff Cosgriff recorded the first shot on goal as Zach Bauer sent the big midfielder a ball that he turned on goal. Cosgriff’s effort though was straight into the chest of the Palace keeper. AC St. Louis worked some creative give-and-go combos as they searched for an opener, but weren’t able to get many shots on goal.

Alec Dufty played a fine first half in goal. Dufty’s save on a late first half free header kept the score line at 0—0 as the teams went into halftime.

The second half saw each team with their chances, but it was Baltimore that had the opportunity to go up top. Gary Brooks mishit a shot in front of goal delivered by Mbuta. Minutes later Jeff Cosgriff would drive another shot right at Palace keeper Evan Bush as the teams headed to the hour mark still scoreless.

Mike Ambersley finally broke through for St. Louis getting them onto the scoreboard in the 74th minute. Ambersley’s tight angle shot found its way under goalkeeper Evan Bush and into the side netting. The goal was Ambersley’s fifth of the year in all competitions and third in league play.

Alec Dufty helped keep St. Louis ahead as he made another big save from a Baltimore set piece that was set up by a St. Louis yellow card. Yoshitake’s free kick made its way past the wall and then into the hands of Alec Dufty who had the shot covered. St. Louis would have to do more defending as Baltimore sent in a goal-bound header from Healey that deflected off of defender Mark Bloom.

AC St. Louis next returns home on Wednesday, July 28 for a 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.