City SC backup goalkeeper Ben Lundt got the text early Saturday morning.
It was not good news.
Roman Burki, the face of the franchise in goal, informed his friend that he had suffered a broken bone in his hand during training Friday.
The goalkeeping job would belong to Lundt for the time being.
“He wanted to let me know early on and that really helped me a lot for my preparation, getting my mind ready,†Lundt said. “You just get the call and sometimes you have to get thrown in there.â€
Lundt did his good buddy proud later Saturday by continuing the team’s impressive defensive scoreless streak with another clean sheet to help City SC to a 1-0 win over Seattle in front of a jazzed-up sellout crowd at Energizer Park.
Midfielder Eduard Lowen scored on a free kick in the 15th minute as City SC (2-0-2, 8 points) won its second match in a row after playing to scoreless draws in each of its first two contests.
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City SC also posted its first win over Seattle. The Sounders had been 4-0 in the series and had held a 9-1 scoring advantage.
St. Louis City SC coach Olof Mellberg reacts to the team's fourth shutout win and the play of the backup goalie on Saturday, March 15, 2025.
Lundt was helped by a strong back line that kept the Sounders chances to a minimum. The native of Berlin, Germany, made one save and performed more than adequately in one of his few pressure moments with the team.
“I thought he stepped up and did exceptionally well,†City SC coach Olof Mellberg said. “He was really strong on crosses and set pieces. It was a good performance to build on.â€
Lundt turned back a header from Jackson Ragen in the 40th minute.
The 6-foot-6-inch Lundt also punched away an attempted cross late in the contest. Plus, he beat Seattle forward Georgi Minooungou to a loose ball early in the second half.
“Playing is fun — with every minute you get more confident,†Lundt said. “Everyone) made it easy to step in and do my job.â€
Lundt appeared in two MLS matches for City SC last season and one Leagues Cup contest as a backup to Burki, who is considered one of the top keepers in MLS.
“He did a great job with the ball and without the ball,†City SC midfielder Conrad Wallem said. “He commanded the defense.â€
Lundt realizes that the job might be his for an extended period of time. He has trained for this opportunity and plans to make the most of it.
“I will try and do my best to replace him,†Lundt said. “It’s not easy. Whatever comes, I’m prepared for it. I hope he gets back soon, he’s our captain. Unfortunately injuries happen, I’ll try my best to replace him and get as many points as possible.â€
Center back Henry Kessler led a strong defensive effort. He received a yellow card in the 71st minute with a crowd-pleasing tackle.
City SC is the only team in the league not to have allowed a goal so far this season.
Lowen ripped a blast into the left side of the net for the lone tally of the night. Seattle goalkeeper Stefan Frei had no chance on the well-placed drive.
“His free kicks are amazing,†Mellberg said. “One of the best I’ve ever seen live.â€
St. Louis improved to 19-3-3 in matches in which Lowen has either scored or assisted.
“It was definitely a great moment for me,†Lowen said. “I am grateful for it.â€
City SC, which has outscored its opponents 4-0 this year, had another legitimate chance later in the half when Marcel Hartel popped a drive over the net in the 30th minute. Simon Becher also was halted from close range late in the match.
Seattle was almost awarded a penalty kick in stoppage time, but the decision was overturned by video review, which drew the largest roar of the night from the overflow crowd.
St. Louis held a 6-1 advantage in shots on goal.
City SC became the third team to open a Major League Soccer season with four successive shutouts, joining Vancouver (2012) and the New York Red Bulls (2007).
Burki was hoping to become the third goalie in league history to began the season with four successive clean sheets. The reigning MLS matchday 3 player of the week stood tall in making eight saves in a 3-0 win the previous week over defending MLS Cup champion Los Angeles Galaxy in California.
Mellberg said there is no timetable on Burki’s return until he sees a hand specialist.
“I was standing just a few yards away,†Mellberg said of Friday’s injury. “It was a wobbling shot that took him by surprise. He continued training, (so) we didn’t think it was that bad. Unfortunately, it’s a small fracture.â€
Seattle (1-2-1, 4 points) has been decimated by injuries as well. Jordan Morris, the franchise’s career leading scorer, injured his hamstring Tuesday in a CONCACAF Champions Cup loss to Cruz Azul in Mexico City. Paul Arriola tore the ACL in his left knee is expected to miss the whole season. Pedro de la Vega is also out with a quad injury.
Even coach Brian Schmetzer has been slowed by illness and did not work the match Saturday.