Former Shorter College soccer standout Anthony O'Garro scored the first goal in AC St. Louis franchise history during the side's home opener and first-ever USSF Division II Pro League match last Saturday, April 17.
O'Garro, who starred for four years for the Hawks and has earned a starting spot at left back for the first-year North American Soccer League (NASL) franchise, found the back of the net in the 43rd minute with a strike from just outside the penalty area that pierced the upper right-hand corner of the net.
The goal, which was AC St. Louis' only tally in a 2-1 loss to the Austin Aztex, sent the Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park capacity crowd of 5,695 into a frenzy and supplied a welcomed highlight for the first men's outdoor professional soccer match in the city of St. Louis in 33 years.
It was the second match for O'Garro's AC St. Louis side, which fell 2-0 to the Carolina RailHawks in its season opener back on April 10.
O'Garro has settled in nicely with his new team, which features several high profile players including keeper Alec Dufty, former player for Major League Soccer's (MLS) Red Bull New York, and midfielder and former MLS Rookie of the Year Steve Ralston, who has made 36 appearances and scored four goals for the United States national team during his storied professional career.
AC St. Louis is coached by Claude Anelka, French soccer manager and brother of famous Chelsea FC winger, Nicolas Anelka.
O'Garro, a two-time All-SSAC selection, enjoyed a standout career at Shorter before becoming one of AC St. Louis' first signees.
He began his Hawks' career as a midfielder, scoring 11 goals and dishing out seven assists in his first two seasons at Shorter.
O'Garro moved to left back in his final two years and emerged as one of the nation's top defenders, recording one goal and six assists from the back and twice garnering All-Conference accolades.
On top of his on-field achievements, O'Garro excelled in the classroom as well. He was a two-time SSAC All-Academic selection and this past year, in his senior season, was named an NAIA Scholar-Athlete, one of four Hawks to garner that honor.
You can watch O'Garro's historic goal by following this link or by logging onto the AC St. Louis official website at www.ac-stlouis.com.