“I wasn’t surprised,” said ESPN analyst and former league star Taylor Twellman, who grew up in St. Louis and has close relationships with owners and league staff. “I think there are very few cities in our country where soccer is at the heartbeat of the city, and St. Louis is one of those. Owners, at the start of this process, said St. Louis is one of those cities we have to have.”

Garber has said for months that bids in Sacramento and St. Louis were front runners, praising both for their markets, stadium plans and ownership groups.

Previous efforts didn’t have the right owners, Garber said on Thursday, and couldn’t put together stadium plans.

“The Taylor family stepped up and very quickly took leadership of the St. Louis bid,” Garber said.

Still, he said on Thursday that St. Louis is behind Sacramento in its stadium and financing plans.

“In St. Louis’ case, they still have a lot of work to do with the city and the state in order to finalize their stadium situation,” Garber said.