Central STL News

St. Louis CITY SC Academy has announced its coaching staff for the 2025-26 MLS NEXT season, featuring a combination of returning coaches and new additions. The most notable addition is Mike Sorber, a former U.S. Men’s National Team midfielder and experienced MLS coach.

“We are excited to welcome several new members to the St. Louis CITY SC academy coaching staff who all bring a strong coaching and professional resume to our club,” said Academy Director Dale Schilly. “As we continue to build our academy, these new additions will help to create a challenging and competitive training environment, which will help further the development of these young players.”

Sorber, who is from St. Louis, will serve as head coach for the U16 team. He brings experience from roles with Toronto FC as assistant coach/technical director and previous positions at LAFC, Montreal Impact, and the USMNT. Sorber also coached at Saint Louis University after playing professionally with Liga MX side UNAM and in Major League Soccer's early years. He made 67 appearances for the U.S. national team and played in the 1994 FIFA World Cup.

Larsen Hackworth joins as an assistant coach for the U16s after two seasons with CITY2. Due to a season-ending injury, Hackworth will transition into his coaching role while completing his contract this season and continuing rehabilitation. He played collegiate soccer at UNC-Asheville and Missouri State University, earning honors such as United Soccer Coaches Player of Distinction.

Santiago Castillo has been named individual development coach and assistant coach for the U15 team under head coach Anthony Wallace. Castillo previously managed soccer development at Lou Fusz Soccer Club and has coached at Louisville City FC academy, St. Louis Scott Gallagher, Missouri Baptist University, and Saint Louis University.

The full academy coaching staff includes: Dale Schilly (Academy Director), Luis Swisher (U18 Head Coach), Charles Renken (U18 Assistant Coach), Mike Sorber (U16 Head Coach), Larsen Hackworth (U16 Assistant Coach), Anthony Wallace (U15 Head Coach), Santiago Castillo (U15 Assistant Coach/IDP Coach), Kyle Riebeling (U14 Head Coach), Megan McCormick (Director of Player Pathway/U14 Assistant Coach), Evan Shirkey (Academy Fitness Coach), Preston Secrest (Academy Fitness Coach), Michael Ritterbeck (Goalkeeper Coach), Mark Pais (Goalkeeper Coach) and Sean Reynolds (IDP Coach).