Central STL News

St Louis CITY2 Interim Head Coach John Hackworth has been named the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Coach of the Year. The recognition comes after he led the team to first place in both the Western Conference and overall league standings during the regular season.

Hackworth took over as interim head coach on May 27, following David Critchley’s move to interim head coach with St. Louis CITY SC's first team. Under Hackworth, assistant coaches Dale Schilly and Sean Reynolds, and the rest of the CITY2 staff, the team recorded 11 wins, one loss, and five draws (11-1-5) since his first match on June 4. This included an 18-match unbeaten streak, during which they collected 42 points.

“While honored to receive this award, it is more of a reflection of the players, staff, and everyone who has helped this team succeed this season, including the work Critch and Baggio Hušidić accomplished earlier this year,” said Interim Head Coach John Hackworth. “This team has demonstrated resilience, belief, and commitment to each other all season and I am proud of every single one of them.”

CITY2 finished their most successful season so far under Hackworth’s leadership. The club achieved a record of 17 wins, five losses, and six draws (17-5-6), totaling a club-best 62 points and scoring a record 60 goals. They tied for most regulation wins (17) in MLS NEXT Pro this year and had one of the lowest numbers of losses (five). Defensively, they allowed only 37 goals—the second fewest in their conference—and recorded eight clean sheets. The team also won nine road matches in 2025, more than any other club.

The club’s development system saw continued progress throughout the year as academy players made appearances for CITY2 while some current CITY2 players moved up to play with St. Louis CITY SC's first team.

Hackworth joined St. Louis CITY SC in 2021 and has held several positions within the organization. He previously led CITY2 to the MLS NEXT Pro Cup Final in their inaugural season in 2022. This year he was selected as one of three finalists for Coach of the Year alongside Dan DeGeer from The Town FC and Ryan Richter from Philadelphia Union II.

Following a recent victory over Ventura County FC in the Conference Quarterfinals, Hackworth and St Louis CITY2 will play Minnesota United FC 2 in the Western Conference Semifinal on Sunday, October 26 at Energizer Park at 5 p.m. CT. The game will be available via streaming on MLS Season Pass through Apple TV.