St. Louis CITY SC has officially signed defender Joey Zalinsky to a first team contract that extends through the 2025 season, with options for the following three years (2026, 2027, and 2028). Zalinsky will be available for selection in the upcoming MLS opener against the Colorado Rapids at Energizer Park.
Selected as the 37th overall pick in the second round of the MLS SuperDraft, Zalinsky has made a strong impression during the preseason, participating in five out of the team’s six matches. His performance has caught the attention of the coaching staff, particularly for his commitment and work ethic.
Lutz Pfannenstiel, the Sporting Director for the club, praised Zalinsky’s contributions, stating, “Joey stood out to us in the SuperDraft and has impressed the staff with his effort and work ethic during the preseason camps. He has shown that he has what it takes to contribute to our squad, and we are looking forward to helping him reach his full potential within our game model.”
Zalinsky hails from New Jersey and developed his skills in the New York Red Bulls academy. Since joining the Red Bulls in 2016, he made his debut for the Red Bulls II squad in September 2020, where he appeared in 17 matches at just 17 years old. At Rutgers University, he demonstrated his abilities by scoring two goals and providing two assists across 59 appearances.
With this signing, St. Louis CITY SC adds a promising talent to their roster as they prepare to embark on their MLS journey. Zalinsky’s youth and previous experiences suggest he could be a valuable asset as the team seeks to establish itself in the league. Fans can look forward to seeing how he contributes from the backline in their forthcoming matches.