Saint Louis University’s Robert Kristo Eyes Spezia

After a season that ended with an NCAA tournament appearance, 4 Bills are taking their careers to the next level. Kingsley Bryce, Anthony Manning, and Raymond Lee were all selected and decided to sign with teams through the MLS SuperDraft. Robert Kristo on the other hand, has chosen to take his talents east. Really far east, over the ocean in fact, to Serie B squad Spezia Calcio in Italy.

The 4 players chosen from SLU in the MLS draft (although bypassing the MLS, Kristo was chosen by the Portland Timbers) tied UNC for most in the draft, and was a record for the most in SLU history. Kingsley Bryce will be headed to Chicago, Anthony Manning will be yelling Timbers in Portland, and Raymond Lee joins the Philadelphia Union. All three expect to find significant minutes.

The big story from this class however, is Robert Kristo’s international departure. For Kristo, leaving home wasn’t easy. “Had a lot of thinking to do these past couple of weeks”, said Kristo on Facebook, “[and it] wasn’t easy to leave everything and everyone I know and love behind.” But, as he goes on, hints at the reason for the hop over the ocean. “My future is taking me abroad to bigger and better things.”

Americansoccernow.com first reported that Spezia Calcio made “a really good offer and more than MLS was ever going to pay. They signed him without him going on trial, just based on video. They really want him.” The average payroll for player wages in Serie B in 2014 was near $7 million, while the MLS cap is set at $3.1 million per team.

Expected to be one of the top forwards in the draft, which includes 2 new expansion teams, Orlando City SC and New York City F.C., Kristo’s absence weakened an already weak draft class. Just a year ago, Kristo desired an MLS career. An offer never crossed his desk, and he returned to SLU for his senior season. After this season, he couldn’t risk passing over foreign offers while waiting for an MLS team to come around.

For most college players in America, European soccer dreams are only a pipe dream, since many foreign leagues have non-EU player limits. Born in Bosnia, Kristo counts as an EU-player, making him that much more marketable in Europe. With the signing, Kristo becomes the first SLU player to play professionally in Italy, while also being the first American-raised player for Spezia Calcio. Sitting in 7th out of 22 Serie B, Spezia’s already in a good position in the league. Kristo adds to an already strong front line. Although not necessarily an immediate starter, Kristo impressed the staff during his 3-week trial with the team earlier this year.