AC FTW! AC kung-fu kicks Palace 1-0.

AC St. Louis delivered their first full 90 minutes of the season, and were rewarded with a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace Baltimore on May 1. Manuel Kante' jockeyed into position and scored an early goal which proved to be all the team needed. Alec Dufty earned his first clean sheet of the season, which was long overdue, given the number of shots he's had to face this season.

My frustration with AC StL strikers continues, as they are receiving passes and remaining stationary, often with a lot of open real estate to carry the ball downfield and cross, or mount a strike of their own. Instead, they stand still and look to pass constantly, or make a very bad first touch. I like these guys, though, they'll get it together.

However, the defense has improved considerably, and remained organized. Hang in there, AC, it's been a long season, and there's a long road ahead, but be sure to savor the small victories like tonight.

People don't know what they're missing, these matches are a LOT of fun.

If AC St. Louis is going to win, TONIGHT is the night...

The Palace is in town, they haven't won a game. AC St. Louis needs to pull out the stops and make the magic happen TONIGHT. Here's what we know: Ralston is back. Even if he's only a sub, his mere presence on the active roster needs to energize this floundering team. Alex Titton needs to do something, anything to show that we're playing with 11 men. Not sure on his game preparation routine, but I'm starting to wonder if we found the only Brazilian who won't touch a soccer ball.

Mike Ambersley, in his limited pre-season appearance vs. Kansas City, looked weak, got pushed off the ball constantly, and triggered a bunch of unnecessary offsides calls. Manuel Kante' collects yellow cards, not goals. Someone has to STEP UP and get it done. AC has launched some beautiful corner kicks, only to have NO ONE do anything with them. These guys need to make it happen.

Also, it's imperative to have Anthony O'Garro's cannon foot in the lineup, since he appears to be the only AC player who can bend a shot.

No more cute passes in our own end either. Cut it out. NOW. Alec Dufty has been used for target practice most of this young season, but he's got to make sure he's squaring up to the shooter at the proper angle. He's deflected 2 balls into his own net.

Basically, the mental mistakes have to stop. Palace may be our only 2 wins of the season. They need to make their effort count. Tonight is the night.