St. Louis City SC kicked off the 2026 MLS season in front of an energized home crowd at Energizer Park, earning a 1–1 draw against Eastern Conference side Charlotte FC on Saturday afternoon.
From the opening whistle, CITY SC set the tone. St. Louis dominated the first half, outshooting Charlotte 10–3 and controlling much of the attacking momentum. Despite the pressure, the breakthrough would have to wait until after halftime.
In the second half, Marcel Hartel found the moment. Hartel netted his first goal of the season — and the first goal of the 2026 MLS regular season — to give St. Louis a deserved lead. Simon Becher and Daniel Edelman each recorded their first assists of the year on the play, combining to unlock the Charlotte defense.
Charlotte responded 13 minutes later when Pep Biel delivered the equalizer to level the match at 1–1.
With the result, CITY SC remains unbeaten in both home and season openers, holding a 1-3-0 record in those matches.
St. Louis now turns its focus westward, traveling to face San Diego FC on Sunday, March 1. Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. CT, with coverage available on Sunday Night Soccer via Apple TV and Fox Sports 1.
The 2026 campaign is officially underway — and if opening day was any indication, there’s plenty to build on.
