MLS NEXT Pro News

MLS NEXT Pro 2023 Goal of the Year: John Klein

Goal of the Year

St Louis CITY2 John Klein’s Matchday 27 bicycle goal has been voted at the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro Goal of the Year after edging out Union II’s Jeremy Rafanello’s wonder volley with 46.4% of the vote.

Klein’s goal took place during CITY2’s 4-1 Matchday 27 victory in front of a record breaking crowd at CITYPARK.

After a series of shots at goal, midfielder Wan Kuzain grabbed a rebound near the touchline and floated lob into the box where Klein maneuvered his way towards the ball and launched a bicycle kick that crossed the goal line for his 13th goal of the season.

The Saint Louis University alumni has had an outstanding first season in MLS NEXT Pro appearing in 28 games for CITY2 and playing over 2,000 minutes. Klein led the squad with 13 regular season goals while also providing four assists. 

After reaching the MLS NEXT Pro Cup Final last year, CITY2 will look to return back to the big stage but must first take care of business at home when they take on one of the best road teams in the league in Earthquakes II during the first round of the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro playoffs.

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