St. Louis CITY SC has extended the contract of their sporting director, Lutz Pfannenstiel, until the 2026 MLS season, as announced by the club on Friday. Pfannenstiel, who joined in 2020, has been instrumental in establishing the club’s sporting department from scratch. Under his leadership, St. Louis achieved remarkable success in their inaugural 2023 season, becoming the first expansion team to clinch a regular-season conference title with 56 points (17 wins, 12 losses, 5 draws), just one point shy of the MLS debut-club record.

Carolyn Kindle, the CEO and owner of St. Louis, expressed confidence in Pfannenstiel’s abilities, stating that his appointment was a strategic move to develop a competitive club swiftly. She highlighted Pfannenstiel’s achievements in not only forming a winning first team but also in establishing a strong academy program. Kindle emphasized Pfannenstiel’s alignment with the ownership group’s vision and his active engagement with the St. Louis community as key factors in the decision to extend his contract.

Key signings for the first team include midfielder Eduard Löwen and striker João Klauss, both designated players, along with goalkeeper Roman Bürki. These acquisitions were made before the 2022 summer transfer window to facilitate their adaptation to St. Louis’ style and environment. Additionally, notable domestic signings comprise center back Tim Parker and midfielders Indiana Vassilev and Aziel Jackson.

Under Pfannenstiel’s leadership, head coach Bradley Carnell was recruited, who was the runner-up for the 2023 Sigi Schmid MLS Coach of the Year award. This appointment contributed to St. Louis achieving an expansion-best of 17 regular-season wins, securing a place in the Concacaf Champions Cup, among other accomplishments.

During Pfannenstiel’s tenure, St. Louis has signed three homegrown players, and their MLS NEXT Pro team reached the league’s inaugural championship match in 2022.

Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to continue his role in St. Louis, Pfannenstiel credited Carolyn, the ownership group, and Diego Gigliani for their support. He emphasized his strategic planning upon arrival in 2020 and looks forward to further building on the foundation established.

Before joining St. Louis, Pfannenstiel held positions as sporting director at Fortuna Dusseldorf and head of international relations and scouting at Bundesliga side 1899 Hoffenheim. He also boasts an extensive playing career and experience as a broadcaster.