Former Bafana Bafana defender Bradley Carnell is having the time of his life in the MLS in the United States of America as head coach of St Louis City.
The South African has led his side to an impressive run of five wins on the bounce at the start of the new MLS campaign, breaking records in the process.
FLAWLESS RECORD
Carnell’s Louis City – a new expansion team – has made its presence in the MLS felt so far this season with a flawless record of five wins from as many matches.
They are currently top of the pile in the Western Conference with 15 points from five matches and having scored the most goals with 15.
Carnell’s record breaking side have joined the 1996 LA Galaxy and 2012 Sporting KC teams as the only three outfits to amass 15 points in their first five matches.
They are the first expansion team to achieve this feat.
BRADLEY CARNELL NAMED COACH OF THE MATCHDAY
In addition, Carnell has been named Coach of the Matchday on two occasions already this season, including for the past week after his side clinched another convincing win.
Louis City, who also have former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Njabulo Blom in their books, thumped Real Salt Lake 4-0 on Sunday.
Despite his side’s dream start to their campaign, Carnell insists they need to keep their feet firmly on the ground.
“It’s our job to keep humble, remain grounded, and just look for the next game, no more,” Carnell said, as quoted by 90min.
One of the reasons Carnell’s side have enjoyed a fantastic start to life in the MLS has been the form of their talisman, Brazilian striker Joao Klauss.
Carnell has shown a lot of faith in the 26-year-old sharpshooter and the forward has repaid that faith with five goals in as many matches this season.
“He’s another guy that’s fully committed and you can see he’s getting stronger, he’s getting healthier. He’s getting fitter and he’s becoming a real menace,” added Carnell.
Another factor that has contributed to St Louis’ success has been the consistency in team selection with Carnell building a solid starting team that is yet to disappoint.
Although he’s been without the services of compatriot Blom for a few matches due to illness, Carnell has been able to consistently rely on the likes of captain Roman Burki, Nicholas Gioacchini and the on form Klauss.
St Louis’ next match will be against Bongokuhle Hlongwane’s Minnesota United FC on Sunday.
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