Bradley Carnell’s St Louis City suffer first defeat without Blom |

Bradley Carnell’s St Louis City have suffered their first defeat without the services of Bafana Bafana star Njabulo Blom, who remains injured.

The MLS extension side fell to a 2-1 loss at home to Portland on Sunday. It was their third defeat of the campaign overall.

The result saw Carnell’s side relinquish the top spot in the Eastern Conference to Seattle Sounders. Sounders are now a point clear at the summit.

ST LOUIS’ FIRST DEFEAT WITHOUT NJABULO BLOM

It was St Louis’ first defeat without Bafana Bafana star Njabulo Blom who remains on the sidelines due to injury.

The MLS rookies had generally coped well without Blom. They went unbeaten in the six matches the South African missed since the start of the season.

Blom has only played five matches for his new side due to work permit issues, illness and injuries.

In his absence, Carnell has been forced to rely on Miguel Perez, Tomas Ostrak, Aziel Jackson and Akil Watts.

And while they have done well to fill the void, Blom brings something to the team that no other player does, which is why Carnell was desperate to sign him from Kaizer Chiefs.

The South African is set for more time on the sidelines as he continues to recover from his latest setback. Blom will miss St Louis’ next match against FC Dallas away from home next Sunday.

BRADLEY CARNELL’S BIG IMPACT

Carnell hopes his side shakes off their latest setback and returns to winning ways.

The South African mentor has worked wonders with his new side this season. St Louis is one of only three teams to win their first five league matches.

St Louis’ bright start to life in the MLS hot many to sit upright and take note, and Carnell will be desperate to regain that form.

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