Marcel Hartel revealed it was a "very difficult decision" to leave St. Louis City, but wanted to return to his native Germany.

St. Louis announced Hartel's departure on Tuesday as the midfielder joined German second-division side Hannover.

Hartel scored 24 goals and provided 18 assists in 67 appearances across all competitions for St. Louis, quickly becoming a key player for the MLS side.

In fact, Hartel's six goals in MLS in 2026 are the most of any St. Louis player, while only Simon Becher (four) has provided more assists than the German (three).

St. Louis face the San Jose Earthquakes in their first game without Hartel, who could not pass up a return to Germany.

"Making this decision has been very difficult because my time in St. Louis has meant so much to me," said Hartel.

"From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed by my team-mates, the staff, the supporters and the entire community. 

"This was a very difficult decision that I felt I had to make for my family with what is going on in our personal lives. 

"I know it wasn’t easy, but I want to thank everyone at the club for understanding my request to return to Germany and for supporting me throughout this process. 

"I wish my team-mates and everyone at the club nothing but success for the rest of the season and beyond."

San Jose are third in the Western Conference, four places and seven points above St. Louis, but their form has been poor.

The Earthquakes have failed to win any of their three games since returning from the World Cup break (D1 L2), most recently losing 4-2 against FC Cincinnati.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

San Jose Earthquakes – Preston Judd

Judd registered his third assist of the regular season on August 1, becoming the eighth different Earthquakes player to record three or more assists this season.

San Jose’s eight players with at least three assists are the most in MLS.

St. Louis City – Tomas Ostrak

In each of St. Louis's last two matches, the club’s lone goals have been scored by a substitute (goals by Tomas Ostrak and Hartel).

In 2026, St. Louis have had five league goals come from substitutes, equalling their combined number of such goals in the 2024 (two) and 2025 (three) seasons.

MATCH PREDICTION – SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES WIN

St. Louis extended their league unbeaten run to eight games (W6 D2) with a draw on August 1 and visit San Jose on a three-game road unbeaten run (W2 D1).

That is one game shy of equalling the club record for their longest road unbeaten streak in league play, which they recorded from July to September 2024.

San Jose, meanwhile, have conceded four or more goals in two of their three regular-season games since returning from the World Cup break.

Prior to the break, San Jose had allowed multiple goals in an MLS match only three times this season, and never more than three goals in a single game.

San Jose’s only non-loss against St. Louis was a 3–2 road win in April (L6), as the Earthquakes are winless (L3) at home against St. Louis.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

San Jose Earthquakes – 53.2%

Draw – 24%

St. Louis City – 22.8%