|
February 1, 2010
GOING HOME
Ralston signs with AC St. Louis of NASL
 |
Steve Ralston has signed with AC St. Louis of the North American Soccer League.
Linda Cuttone/Sports Vue Images |
ST. LOUIS, MO –The New England Revolution will have another huge whole to fill this season, as veteran Steve Ralston has signed with AC St. Louis of the new North American Soccer League. Ralston, a native of St. Louis is a 14 year veteran of MLS and has been a mainstay in the Revs midfield since 2002.
The 35-year-old Ralston is Major League Soccer’s all time appearance leader.
“This is a day I always dreamed would happen,” said Ralston. “I think anyon who plays professional sports wants to play in their hometown. I am fortunate to get to do just that at this stage of my career. Obviously it is an exciting time for soccer in St. Louis since we now have our own professional team. I am honored to be the first player to become a part of this new franchise.”
In addition to playing, Ralston will serve as an assistant coach to Head Coach Claude Anelka and Director of Player Development Francisco Filho.
“This is a unique role for me to have,” said Ralston. “I think I am ready for the challenge. Having a chance to give your input as a coach for a team that is being built is a special opportunity.”
The NASL is a second division league that was formed by teams that pulled out of the United Soccer Leagues. In an agreement brokered by U.S. Soccer, a combined league of clubs will play in 2010.
“Bringing a veteran leader into our team as a building block of our franchise is absolutely crucial for us,” stated AC St. Louis Chairman Jeff Cooper. “The fact that he grew up in St. Louis and is a well known name to sports fans here is just a bonus. It is not everyday you get to bring home a player that has played the most games in the history of the MLS.”
Ralston is first all-time in the MLS in the following categories; games played (378), assists (135), and minutes played (33,143). Ralston is also a former member of the United States Men’s National team and has been capped 36 times. In his MLS career Ralston played the last eight seasons with the New England Revolution. He was originally drafted by Tampa Bay in 1996, playing his first six seasons with the Mutiny.
Ralston attended Oakville High School in St. Louis. Ralston played one year of college soccer in St. Louis at Forest Park Community College for Head Coach Pat McBride. Ralston finished his collegiate career at Florida International University.
His honors include being named the MLS Rookie of the Year in 1996, and he has twice been a CONCACAF Gold Cup winner with the United States in 2005 and 2007. Ralston has four career goals with the United States, and was an alternate on the 2006 World Cup team. He scored the game winning-goal against Mexico on September 3, 2005 as the United States clinched a berth to the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
Ralston and his wife Rachel have two daughters, Anna (8) and Clara (2), and one son Liam (4).
|
