Early in that same stretch, however, STLFC went through an unprecedented spree in U.S. Open Cup play that included one-goal wins over MLS squads from Chicago and Cincinnati.

“The run we enjoyed in the Cup had an impact, no question, but it was also something we enjoyed and took a lot of pride in,” Pulis said. “Competing against and finding ways to knock off a pair of MLS teams was special for everyone involved.”

Just when it appeared the team’s USL Championship playoff hopes were dashed, STLFC opened September with a five-game winning streak that included victories over playoff teams Ottawa, Nashville, Birmingham and New York Red Bulls II.

But after using the win streak to propel itself back into the playoff picture, STLFC followed by finishing the season on an 0-5-1 stretch that included five one-goal losses.

In its last three matches, STLFC lost 4-3 at Loudoun United, a non-playoff team, after going up 3-2 in the 67th minute and then dropped 1-0 decisions after surrendering late goals against East Division-leading Pittsburgh and at North Carolina FC.