Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

Des Moines Menace

2025 US Open Cup Round 2: 10-man Union Omaha hold off MLS stars from Des Moines Menace

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Graphic: Frank Lanham

On a windy afternoon in West Des Moines, Iowa, the home team Des Moines Menace faced Union Omaha, a USL League One team in the Second Round of the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. While the headlines entering Wednesday’s contest centered around the Menace who had assembled a roster full of former Major League Soccer stars, it was Union Omaha who spoiled the storyline with a 2-1 win.

It was the second year in a row, and the third time in the last four years that Union Omaha eliminated Des Moines from the competition.

The first half was dominated by the visiting team, with Omaha scoring two goals in the 17th and 33rd minutes respectively with Dion Acoff opening the scoring and Aarón Gómez following.

Although the Owls seemed to easily control the game, shortly after the start of the second half, the Menace got a penalty kick then scored by former Sporting Kansas City star Benny Feilhaber, which reopened his team’s hopes. The two-time US Open Cup champion (Sporting KC 2015 & 2017) scored to cut the lead in half.

On the penalty kick, Union Omaha player Brandon Knapp, received his second yellow card, thus leaving his team with ten men for the remaining 35 minutes of the match. Although control of the game shifted to the home team’s hands, the Owls would hold on for the 2-1 win. 

The referee whistled the start of the game accompanied by the enthusiasm of the many fans of the Des Moines team who had come to the stadium for this match of their team against a higher-class formation. After 17 minutes of almost total possession, Union Omaha’s Acoff, launches his teammate Gómez toward the goal, to then collected the cross and turned it into the opening goal. The Menace continued to defend until in the 33rd minute Gómez, the author of the previous assist, again made his mark by scoring the second goal.

At the end of the first half, Des Moines Menace, who by now had nothing left to lose, took courage and appeared on a few occasions in the opponent’s half of the field before going to the locker room for halftime. Their chances of hanging with the defending USL League One champions took a blow 15 minutes into the first half when former MLS star Bradley Wright Phillips had to leave the game due to injury. Des Moines brought on some fresh legs at halftime and it gave them a spark. 

The decisive moment, however, was at the beginning of the second half, when halftime sub Feilhaber, the Red Army’s No. 10, entered the field putting the captain’s armband on his arm. He scored from the penalty spot just eight minutes after entering the game. Shortly after the goal, Sacha Kljestan subbed out of the game. In the 69th minute, Kljestan would be sent off from the bench after arguing with the referee.

Now, in numerical superiority and with the confidence given by the penalty kick, the Menace increased the pressure. Des Moines maintained an orderly ball possession that, in the 80th minute, produced the best scoring chance of the game for Leroy Enzugusi, who came in to replace Kljestan. He found himself one-on-one with Union goalkeeeper Cole Jensen who made the save. After five minutes of stoppage time, the match ended with the Owls advancing to the Third Round for the fourth year in a row.

“As a player, you always feel like you are in it, especially once you get a goal, you are a man up with about 30 minutes left you think you have a chance,” said Feilhaber. “They defended very well, it becomes tough in those moments to find balls in between the lines but we had some chances, couldn’t convert any of them and they were deserved winners in the end.”

Feilhaber gave credit to his team, especially the younger players who gave everything to put the team in a position to win.

Union Omaha’s defense had to remain compact for almost the entire second half to avoid a Menace comeback.

“We did well in defending, staying together and not conceding the second, because it would have been difficult to go into overtime with a man down,” said Union Omaha defendere and captain Marco Milanese. “I’m very happy with how we defended and how we managed to bring home the result.”

With this victory, Uunion Omaha secures a spot for the Third Round of the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup to be played the week of April 15-16. The draw will take place on Thursday at 1 p.m. ET. 

2025 US Open Cup Round 1: Loaded with ex-MLS stars, Des Moines Menace “amateurs” defeat Sporting KC II

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Sacha Kljestan of the Des Moines Menace strikes a ball against Sporting KC II in the First Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Des Moines Menace
Sacha Kljestan of the Des Moines Menace strikes a ball against Sporting KC II in the First Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Des Moines Menace

With weather that was nothing short of ridiculous, the old heads of Des Moines Menace took down the kids, Sporting KC II, 2-1, in the First Round of the 2025 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

“This is the most historical tournament that we have in North American sports,” Des Moines’ Sacha Kljestan said. “I’ve always loved the tournament and I am just fortunate and grateful that the Menace gave us an opportunity to live out our dreams one more time, now two more times.”

Over 40 mph gusts of wind and rain took over the pitch. The wind blew in one direction going north to south and it was key for both teams to take advantage with the wind at their back.

“This is crap. This is not soccer weather,” Des Moines midfielder Benny Felihaber said with a smile. “The worst weather is wind. Obviously there was a lot of wind.”

In the first half, SKC II enjoyed the wind, but they were unable to capitalize. Macielo Tschantret had one of the top chances in the opening minutes. He blasted a shot just over the crossbar.

SKC II did most of its damage in the final 15’ of the first half. Beckham Uderitz drilled a shot from outside the box which hit the bar and went out of play. The home side had 10 first-half corners.

Des Moines didn’t have the ball inside SKC II’s half until the 25’ mark. They had no clear cut chances in the first half as they tried to survive.

“That was the mentality of the group. As soon as we lost the coin toss, we were like, ‘crap, alright,’” Felihaber said. “It was a half of trying to keep it 0-0. We got some lucky hits off of the crossbar. We defended kind of for our lives in that first half.”

In the second half, the Menace earned two penalty kicks which were both calmly taken by Sacha Kljestan. The first penalty occurred in the 56’ with the Menace on the front foot. Felihaber attacked the goal mouth and was brought down by Jacob Bartlett.

“It was a penalty, but I draw it, though,” Felihaber said. “Bartlett said he touched the ball, but I don’t think he touched the ball. I could be wrong, but I don’t think he touched the ball at all.”

SKC II found a rhythm following their opponent’s goal. The MLS Next Pro team attacked against the wind against the former MLS star studded squad that featured players Bradley Wright-Phillips, Dax McCarty, Justin Meram and Matt Hedges.

The home team tied the match through Uderitz, who scored in the 65’. A Sporting KC II pass form the end line to the middle of the box saw Uderitz drill one with the inside of his foot into the back of the net.

The Des Moines Menace pose for a team photo before a match against Sporting KC II in the First Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Des Moines Menace
The Des Moines Menace pose for a team photo before a match against Sporting KC II in the First Round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Photo: Des Moines Menace

In the 75’, Des Moines sent a through ball down the near sideline to Leroy Enzugusi. SKC II shouted for offsides as he ran onto the ball. Enzugusi was brought down in the box and the referee pointed to the spot for the second penalty of the game.

“He was , he was really offside,” SKC II head coach Istvan Urbanyi said.

Kljestan took a hold of the ball and buried the goal, giving Des Moines a 2-1 lead. He took a few steps and started to dance in celebration.

“Our coach said, if you score, you better celebrate. You never know when it’s going to be your last goal or your last game or all that stuff,” Kljestan said. “It’s a stupid dance from the Talking Heads, the punk band from the 80s. We’ve been messing around and doing that in the studio.”

Des Moines held on for the final 15 minutes to earn the win. SKC II had a few chances to equalize, but nothing clear cut as goalkeeper Enzo Carvalho made four saves in the game.

It was a homecoming game for Feilhaber as he coached SKC II for the previous three seasons. He was able to put some tackles on his former players while they repaid the favor in a game that only the US Open Cup could deliver.

“It’s all love, dude,” Felihaber said. “I’ve loved coaching these guys for the last three years. Not all of them have been here for all three years, but I have a lot of respect for these guys. It was a blast playing against them.”

The win sends Des Moines to the next round of play. Kljestan recruited former MLS friends to play in this game against SKC II. The current Apple TV announcer shared some big news on if anyone could join the Menace in the future.

“Stay tuned,” Kljestan said. “I can’t reveal too much, but we will see.”

 

2024 US Open Cup Round 2: Union Omaha ends Des Moines Menace’s star-studded cup run

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Steevan Fortes Dos Santos of Union Omaha dribbles against Des Moines Menace defenders in a Second Round match in the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Trevor Hellman - @trevhellman
Steevan Fortes Dos Santos of Union Omaha dribbles against Des Moines Menace defenders in a Second Round match of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Trevor Hellman – @trevhellman

Big names and bigger dreams weren’t enough for Des Moines Menace to overcome a stout Union Omaha as they fell to the USL League One side by a score of 3-1 on Wednesday night. Goals on each side of halftime from Pedro Dolabella and Marco Milanese plus a very late dagger from substitute Menace alum Lagos Kunga propelled Los Búhos into the Third Round of the 2024 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

With the win, Union Omaha won their opening game in the tournament for the third year in a row and improved their home record in their brief three-year history to 4-0-0.

The visitors from Des Moines came in to Omaha with five former MLS players in their starting eleven, but couldn’t get much going in the first half. Both teams seemed content to feel each other out with Omaha getting the larger share of possession and the Menace staying mostly compact and ready to break on the counter. Every time the visitors broke, however, two or three Owls would track back and block off any danger in attack.  Similarly, Union Omaha would find themselves in dangerous positions on the wings, but just unable to connect on the final pass to expose Brian Rowe’s goal.

In the 22nd minute the first major chance of the night would go Omaha’s way as Pedro Dolabella found Dion Acoff in stride and running past his defender to unleash a rocket shot from just outside the box that rang heavily off the crossbar. Less than a minute later, Joe Gallardo would ring out a shot from the other side of the box that forced Rowe into a spectacular diving save to keep the game scoreless.

Sacha Kljestan and his Des Moines Menace teammates shake hands with Union Omaha players before their Second Round match in the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Trevor Hellman - @trevhellman
Sacha Kljestan and his Des Moines Menace teammates shake hands with Union Omaha players before their Second Round match in the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Trevor Hellman – @trevhellman

The pressure on the USL-2 side would continue until Union Omaha finally broke through in the 34 minute.  Playing from a free kick, Joe Gallardo took the ball up the left wing and found Aáron Gomez just outside the six-yard box.  Gomez was able to drop the ball back to Pedro Dolabella who calmly slotted home from about 15 yards out to open the scoring past a helpless Menace defense.  This was Dolabella’s second goal in US Open Cup competition, following his tally against MLS side St. Louis City in 2023.

Union Omaha continued on the front foot, asking a lot of questions of the Menace defense, but Des Moines answered all of them keeping the score at 1-0 heading into halftime.

That wouldn’t last long, however, as two minutes after the break, Marco Milanese would extend the Omaha lead following a scramble in the goal mouth off a well taken corner. Steevan Dos Santos out jumped his marker to put the ball in the path of Luca Mastrantonio who fired a point blank shot at Rowe. The Menace keeper did well to keep it out, but couldn’t stop the rebound shot, nor the 2-0 lead.

The two sides would continue to trade jabs (and yellow cards) for the majority of the second half, but with Union Omaha still seeming firmly in control.  That control would falter in the 87th minute as Leroy Enzugusi put his name on the scoresheet after finding a path through the Búho back line from a perfect pass from Braden Allen.  Rashid Nuhu was late to react and while he did get a small touch on the ball, Enzugusi was able to keep control, round the keeper, and give the Menace life going into injury time.

That life put a spark in the Menace who made the final minutes of the match rather nervy for the home crowd. There were several chances that could have gone Des Moines’ way until substitute Lagos Kunga put the match beyond doubt. 

In the ninth minute of stoppage time, the former Menace forward found himself alone in space just outside the box on a pinpoint pass from Nortei Nortey. Having just had a wonderful chance saved by Rowe a minute earlier, Kunga cut inside and let go with his left foot to put this match, and Des Moines’ Cup run, to bed.

When asked about the clinching goal, Kunga responded in high spirits. “This is what we live for,  moments like this, to come in, get a goal, to help the team win.”

And while it may have been a goal that knocked his former club from the Cup, it was obvious he enjoyed the moment, saying “They say when you play your old team, you get a little extra motivation, so it felt good.”

For Union Omaha, that feeling will continue into the next round as they take their 17-game unbeaten streak in all competitions (dating back to last season) to the test.  They take on USL Championship side El Paso Locomotive who enter the 2024 US Open Cup in Round 3. For Des Moines Menace, it’s another empty-handed trip back home to await the start of the USL-2 season, and another chance to dream of a trophy.

2024 US Open Cup Round 1: Ex-MLS players help Des Moines Menace add to cupset resume with PK win at Capo FC

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Sacha Kljestan had an assist in 120 minutes of action for the Des Moines Menace in the club's First Round match in the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Des Moines Menace
Sacha Kljestan had an assist in 120 minutes of action for the Des Moines Menace in the club’s First Round match in the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Des Moines Menace

The 109th edition of the historic Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup tournament is underway this week and as in previous incarnations the 2024 version has already produced incredibly exciting matches. The match between Capistrano FC (NISA) and the Des Moines Menace (USL-2) at JSerra Stadium fit that bill to a T.

The headlines entering the match was the recruiting of the Menace. The USL League Two powerhouse added former US international Sacha Kljestan and former MLS goalkeeper Brian Rowe to the roster and both players played significant roles. Kljestan assisted on the opening goal in the second half only to see Parker Scalzo equalize for Capo FC less than 15 minutes later. Then in extra time, Leroy Enzugusi put the Menace ahead in the 117th minute, only to see Scalzo tie it up again in the final minute to send the match into penalty kicks. Des Moines would win the shootout 5-4 with Kljestan scoring the last goal for the visitors.

With the shootout win, the Menace earn their eighth pro team upset in Open Cup history, second-most of any amateur team in the Modern Era (1995-present). Only Des Moines’ rival the Flint City Bucks have more with 10.

The match was a slow burn that turned into roaring fire by the time the final whistle was blown. The first half was a display of both sides trying to show who wanted it more with possession and shots being split, mostly, evenly. And though home and away were consistent with shots taken, Capo had more on target which gave Des Moines keeper Brian Rowe a chance to shine. With several consecutive shots by the likes of Cole Sime and Omar Sabbagh that could have, possibly should have, put Capo  FC on the board, Rowe showed his speed and skill, preventing the ball from finding the back of the net. For Rowe, it was his eighth US Open Cup appearance, with the seven previous appearances coming with the LA Galaxy of MLS.

Capo keeper Nate King had his own opportunities to show his stopping power including a shot from inside the box by Kijestan in the 18 yard box. As the first half wound down the shots and blocks continued leaving the match tied at 0-0 as the teams headed off for the halftime break.

The way the first half looked one might assume that Capo would be the first to light up the scoreboard, but it was Des Moines that cracked the seal with a rocket from Cyrus Harmon that was able to find its way past King in the 53rd minute giving them the lead. As play carried on, several sets of fresh legs sent in for both sides kept this match moving at the high level of play we saw in the first 45.

The extra boost of energy finally cleared the way for the home side to reply to Des Moines’ earlier goal.  In the 66th minute, Capo’s Scalzo sent one in, dead center, leaving the Menace’s Rowe unable to get a glove on it, tying the score at 1-1. 

Players from the Des Moines Menace celebrate after scoring a goal against Capistrano FC in the First Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Des Moines Menace
Players from the Des Moines Menace celebrate after scoring a goal against Capistrano FC in the First Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Des Moines Menace

As the match moved on frustration started to show through. The second half would culminate with two back to back handballs, one for each side, a yellow card shown to Capo team captain Daniel Segal in the 78th minute, a long series of fouls, and a score still knotted at one. Overtime was upon these tired teams.  

Capo FC showed the first glimmer of hope to break the tie. Daniel Segal had a chance from a corner sent in by Lukas Ender that he unfortunately sent high over the crossbar. As the exhaustion, passion and desire to move to the Cup’s second round came together, the chippiness that can happen also reared its head. Segal, Capo’s skipper, was shown yellow a second time, resulting in his ejection from the match. The home team was now down to 10 men and still had 25 minutes of playing time left on the clock. Des Moines attempted to capitalize on their man advantage with two shots in quick succession but were unable to complete the task.

The shots continued to come from both sides but none would get between the pipes until minute 117 when Leroy Enzuguzi smashed a close range missile past Nate King giving a 2-1 lead to the visitors. With only three minutes left in overtime, the disappointment of the Capo team was visible. In the final three minutes, the 10 man home side popped off three shots on target, the third of which found the back of the net. A ball was sent in and Rowe was unable to catch it and Scalzo pounced on the loose ball with seconds left in extra time. With the score tied at 2-2, the whistle signaled the end of play and the start of a shootout to determine who moves on in the tournament.

Players from the Des Moines Menace celebrate after scoring a goal against Capo FC in the First Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Des Moines Menace
Players from the Des Moines Menace celebrate after scoring a goal against Capo FC in the First Round of the 2024 US Open Cup. Photo: Des Moines Menace

The shootout would be quick but exciting as each side converted their first four attempts. The anticipation was thick in the air as two more shots were to come. Kljestan was the fifth player for Des Moines and after playing 120 minutes, he scored. Then Capo’s goalscorer Scalzo went next and skied his attempt well over the bar to send the Menace to the Second Round.

“To go through all the extra time and penalties, and come away with the victory and get on to Round 2 is brilliant,” said Menace head coach Troy McKerrel.

With this as his first match at the helm of the Menace he also said that this win is a good way to set the tone and he intends to continue forward in the same way. 

2023 US Open Cup Round 2: Chattanooga FC overpower Des Moines Menace, 4-1

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Players from Chattanooga FC (blue) and Des Moines Menace line up for a set piece in their 2023 US Open Cup match. Photo: Des Moines Menace
Players from Chattanooga FC (blue) and Des Moines Menace line up for a set piece in their 2023 US Open Cup match. Photo: Des Moines Menace

Welcome back to the Third Round, Chattanooga.

Behind Taylor Gray serving up two assists and reigning-NISA scoring champion Markus Naglestad opening his Open Cup goal tally, Chattanooga FC set up a spot in the Third Round for the second straight year with a 4-1 win over the Des Moines Menace on Wednesday evening.

Chattanooga was able to exploit Des Moines’ 3-5-2 formation by loading up the penalty area early and often. Naglestad’s opener came after the forward was lost in the shuffle of a cross. Getting on the end of Mutaya Mwape’s cross, Gray nodded the ball back across the frame and allowed Naglestad to volley home his first goal of the tournament.

A first-half injury that sent Mwape off and inserted Damian Rodriguez did little to slow down CFC, as the sub was able to receive a ball in the penalty area from Luis Garcia Sosa and pound home what turned out to be the eventual game-winner.

“Damien Rodriguez, very good,” said Chattanooga head coach Rod Underwood. “Our goal this year was not to build depth, but to build starters. We feel like we’re trying to build a team that can start. We want those headaches every week of ‘who’s going to play’.”

Des Moines did offer a response in the second half. A goal from Fernando Garcia in the 69th minute offered a lifeline to the USL2 squad, but the Menace could not put two good chances away shortly after to equalize.


“I knew this game was going to be a lot harder than everybody was thinking in their head,” Underwood said. “I know Des Moines. We just knew we had to be good. And if we weren’t good, we were going to get punished. We made sure we didn’t take it lightly.”

The visitors capitalized on the missed opportunities late to cement their spot in the next round. Andrew McGrath sent a 50-yard strike into an open goal after Menace goalkeeper Grant Makela came off his line for an intercepted clearance to regain the two-goal cushion. In the dying minutes, Chattanooga was able to round out the scoring through Juan Louis when Gray slipped the substitute through from midfield.

CFC will travel to Birmingham Legion (USL Championship) for the Third Round. The date is still to be determined.

In the 2022 edition, CFC was tasked with going toe-to-toe against defending Open Cup champion Atlanta United in the third round. The Five Stripes easily handled the NISA side 6-0.

With the loss, Des Moines fails to reach the third round for the fourth straight tournament after becoming a notable cup-set squad. Coming into Wednesday’s tilt, the Menace has been able to knock off seven professional teams in its 14th appearance in the tournament. The last time Des Moines beat a higher-division team was 2016, earning a 2-0 win over Tulsa Roughnecks FC in the second round.

2023 US Open Cup Round 1: Des Moines Menace capitalize on Beaman United mistakes in 3-0 win

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The Des Moines Menace pose for a team photo before their match against Beaman United in the First Round of the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Des Moines Menace
The Des Moines Menace pose for a team photo before their match against Beaman United in the First Round of the 2023 US Open Cup. Photo: Des Moines Menace

The Des Moines Menace advanced to the Second Round of the 2023 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Wednesday night in Murfreesboro, Tenn. defeating host Beaman United FC with a 3-0 win.

Despite being in total control of an even, balanced match, the win for the Menace came down to Beaman’s defensive mistakes and a lack of finishing in the final third from the home side. Scoring two goals off of counterattacks and one from the penalty spot. With the win, Des Moines advanced in their opening game for the third year in a row. It is also the 14th tournament win as a member of USL League Two (15th overall), the second-most of any amateur team in the Modern Era (1995-present).

In the 15th minute, Beaman built well with former pro Kwadwo Poku picking up the ball at midfield and dribbling through a couple of Des Moines players. Just before the eighteen, he released it to Michael Jones Jr. on the left flank who crossed in first time looking for Kwadwo’s brother Seth Poku, who was unable to finalize on a slide tackle.

In the 18th minute, Des Moines came close to Beaman’s goal with a free kick 30-yards out, but hit it slightly wide of the left post.

Minutes later, the Menace exploited Beaman’s Achilles heel – defending counterattacks.

Following a great combination between three Des Moines player and sloppy defending from the Lions, Menace No. 10 Christopher Bermudez set up forward Gabriel Rodriguez with a back-heel pass through the legs of a Beaman defender. From there, Rodriguez found himself 1-v-1 with Beaman goalkeeper Alex Rodriguez, slotting the ball into the far, bottom corner to find the lead for the visitors. It marked the second tournament in a row that Rodriguez notched a goal for the Menace. Last year, he scored the opening goal in Des Moines’ 2-1 Second Round loss to Union Omaha (USL-1).

In the 41st minute, the Seth Poku-Jones duo created another important chance for Beaman, looking for the equalizer. Poku, with his creativity found Jones through Des Moines’ defense with a chipped ball, but the winger couldn’t keep it low enough, sending it slightly over the top left part of the crossbar on a left-footed volley attempt in the box.

As the second half started, Beaman maxed its rpm to try to find a goal.

MORE >> Beaman: United together (feature story)

A great solo run and attempt by Adubiore in the 56th minute required the Menace goalkeeper to tip the ball into a corner kick.

About 60 seconds later, Des Moines quickly recovered the ball from the corner kick and won a throw-in close to Beaman’s box. The Menace played it quickly finding the forward inside the box, who was slide tackled incautiously from behind by a Beaman defender.

The ref blew the whistle, pointing to the penalty spot. Gabriel Rodriguez converted for Des Moines making it 2-0. 

This time Alex Rodriguez for Beaman was unable to replicate his previous Open Cup, saving penalties glory to keep his side afloat.

With 30 minutes left and the game uphill for the Lions, Jones kept Beaman alive flying up and down the right flank and providing great service in the box.

Beaman, however, still couldn’t finish and in the last play of the game, off of another counterattack, Des Moines found the third goal of the night, ending Beaman’s first-ever Open Cup run.

In previous Open Cup qualifier matchups, the Lions had accustomed fans and spectators to breathtaking comebacks and a myriad of goals, while still lacking something defensively.

Against the Menace, Beaman also lacked finishing in the final third and a little bit of luck, costing them a spot in Round 2.

“This is football,” said Beaman coach Gift Ndam, after the game. “We will come back stronger.”

With a whole new spring UPSL season to play, the Lions have the perfect chance to test, work and continue to build ahead of the fall Open Cup qualifying rounds.

Des Moines coach Dean Johnson highlighted the challenge in preparing a match against a debutant, newcomer team like Beaman.

“Yeah, it was difficult because we didn’t have too much information on them, so we were kind of going in blind,” Johnson said. “It’s very hard to prep for that. We kind of focused on what we could do rather than the other team and I think it worked out pretty well for us today.”

The Menace will continue its journey taking on Chattanooga FC on April 5 in Round 2 of the tournament.

“We plan on going as far as we can and then we got a tough game in the next round, but we’re at home in front of our great fans and that’d be a really, really good one and we fully expect to win,” said Johnson.

Des Moines’ scorer Gabriel Rodriguez is hungry for more.

“Obviously, we want to play against an MLS team, so we’re going for it,” he said. “Plans for me, I just want to keep winning. I just want to help the team with goals.”

2022 US Open Cup Round 2: Union Omaha oust Des Moines Menace in battle of defending champs

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Union Omaha Des Moines Menace 2022 US Open Cup
Players from Union Omaha celebrate after scoring a goal against the Des Moines Menace in the Second Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Trev Hellman @trevhellman

The shine from the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup trophy finally glowed on the state of Nebraska, as Union Omaha hosted the first ever tournament match within state borders. The evening lived up to the hype and saw two defending champions face off, with the hosts Union Omaha prevailing at the final whistle by a score of 2-1.

The Des Moines Menace, current USL League Two champions, entered the evening having already experienced victory in this year’s tournament. In the first round, the Menace defeated Minneapolis City SC 4-2. On Tuesday night, the club looked to extend their regional dominance with a win over Union Omaha. Leading up to the match, Des Moines opted to sign 31 year-old veteran Corey Hertzog. His addition to the squad paid off well during his time on the field, especially in the early stages of the match.

Des Moines’s defense was tested early by a series of long balls from Union Omaha, but the backline was able to quell the early threats. Center defender Kareem Riley had a great play in the 10th minute, floating across the field to cover the perimeter of the penalty area. He was able to stifle a well-developed attack from Union Omaha’s JP Scearce and keep the scoreline empty. With every Union Omaha attack, Des Moines would look to counter through link-up play, often featuring previously-mentioned Hertzog. The build-up play resulted in an early lead for club.

In the 14th minute of play, Des Moines was able to carry the ball into Union Omaha’s half and threaten the final third. Neville Morgan found space along the left flank and served the ball into the box. After a short battle for the ball, Ryley Kraft showed great composure to find Gabi Rodriguez at the top of the box. Rodriguez placed a very dangerous shot on goal, bouncing off the crossbar, deflecting off of Union Omaha goalkeeper Rashid Nuhu, and crossing the goal line for a split second, which was all it took to earn the goal and the early lead.

There was some debate as to whether or not the subsequent finish from Corey Hertzog was the actual goal, but the match officials ultimately awarded the goal to Gabi Rodriguez. The celebrations were short-lived, as Union Omaha wasted little time in returning the favor.

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In the 19th minute, Union Omaha earned a corner kick. Joseph Brito, playing in his first professional match, took the corner kick and placed it directly where JP Scearce was waiting to head the ball inside the near post. The equalizer was the first goal for Union Omaha in the US Open Cup tournament. Having been established in 2019, the club qualified for the Open Cup in 2020 and 2021, but the COVID-19 pandemic prevented the Owls from taking the field. The momentous goal was not lost on the fans, as cheers erupted from all sides of the field.

The rest of the first half showed both clubs settling into their rhythm. The first 30 minutes of the match consisted of a lot of fast runs, balls served over the top, and trying to expose the backline. In the remaining 15 minutes, both clubs seemed to show more comfort in bringing the ball to the ground, establishing possession, and using their creativity to test their opposition. The halftime whistle blew and the score was still level at 1-1, but the aura of the tournament kept spirits high, especially the contingent of Des Moines fans who made the trip to Morrison Stadium in downtown Omaha.

The fans returned to their seats with bellies full of concessions, ready to watch the drama of the second half unfold. Union Omaha opened the second half with more possession and showed no signs of letting their foot off the gas from their typical high-press, direct offense. With every attack the Owls levied against the Menace, goalkeeper Grant Makela cemented himself on the goal line and deflected shot after shot. Makela showed quick reflexes on multiple occasions and continued to make key saves as the match progressed. The Menace goalkeeper didn’t feature in the first round of the tournament, but he definitely shined in the second round.

The Des Moines defense was routinely tested, bending to Union Omaha’s attacks, but not breaking. It wasn’t until the 81st minute, when a fluke play occurred, which would decide the full-time score line. After Union Omaha captain Conor Doyle received a pass just outside the box, left of center, he sent a soft lob into the box. Menace defender Alfeu Bertani connected on the other end of the lob, but wasn’t able to redirect it clear of goal. His header ended up sending the ball past his goalkeeper and into his own goal.

With ten minutes, plus stoppage time remaining, the Des Moines Menace scrambled to generate any and all offense in Union Omaha’s half. The Menace was able to put together a couple of opportunities, but nothing that would level the score line. The center ref eventually looked at his watch, blew the whistle, and ended the match. Although the match was decided by an own goal, but clubs demonstrated why they are currently the defending champions of their respective leagues.

In the post-match interview, Union Omaha manager Jay Mims complimented “a great atmosphere” in Morrison Stadium at Creighton University, as well Des Moines for “putting together a great team and a great fight. They were a worthy opponent.”

The Des Moines Menace open their USL League Two title defense against Minneapolis City SC on Sunday, May 8 in Minneapolis.

Union Omaha will find out the details of their next appearance in the US Open Cup on Friday, April 8 when the Third Round of the tournament is drawn. The Owls also kick off their USL League One title defense against Forward Madison on the road on Saturday, April 9.

2022 US Open Cup Round 1: Salvadego’s brace off Des Moines Menace bench spoils Minneapolis City’s debut

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Des Moines Menace 2022 US Open Cup
The Des Moines Menace celebrate scoring a goal vs. Minneapolis City SC in the First Round of the 2022 US Open Cup. Photo: Jose Calderon @digitaljose

While the weather in West Des Moines, Iowa attempted to quell the excitement of the 2022 US Open Cup’s First Round, the on-pitch action absolutely would not have it.

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A six-goal thriller kept a small, yet passionate throng of supporters enthralled from start to finish as the Des Moines Menace rode out as 4-2 winners over a strong Minneapolis City Soccer Club. A brace from Menace substitute-striker Alessandro Salvadego was the difference after he scored the winner in the 69th minute and added an insurance goal ten minutes later to deliver a loss to Minneapolis in the club’s long-awaited Open Cup debut.

Temperatures in the mid-30s with drizzling rain and wet conditions on the turf initially led to a cagey affair at Valley Stadium. Towering midfielder, Man of the Match and Iowa native, Lance Rozeboom, led the battle in midfield for the Reds, while Aidan O’Driscoll brought the fight for the clever Crows.

Speaking of the Crows, they gloriously opened the scoring after 20 minutes when Lionel Vang hit a laser beam free kick from 30 yards out to the top left corner of the net. After the stunning opener, it was clear that the home team was feeling the pressure of their status and they retaliated to make it 1-1 before halftime when Maxi Galizzi scored after bundling home due to consistent pressure from the Menace.

The teams went in level at halftime with Menace coach Dean Johnson in charge of his first match with Kyle Krause on the sideline and general manager, Charlie Bales, in the stands. Both coaches were quick to get their charges to their respective locker rooms as the rain and wind whipped – it seemed to get worse while they recharged their batteries and received their marching orders. The second half kicked off to a crowd that would not disperse.

A slow start to the second half that saw a continued midfield battle that was highlighted by no real chances. The Menace eventually took the lead in the 56th minute when William Rodrigues was first to react after a flowing Minneapolis City move led to a great save from Crows’ goalkeeper, Troy Louwagie.

The Crows equalized at 2-2 in the 61st minute via their danger man, late add, Loic Mesanvi, who smashed home after a direct attack sprung the Crows, who benefitted from a defensive mistake in the Menace backline. Two of the three defenders for Des Moines were wearing “athletic” tights, so perhaps they had not gotten warm enough to catch the speedy Mesavani, a high school student who provided several moments of brilliance in the game, including an incisive run highlighted by two very slick nutmegs.

Ironically enough, Menace matchwinner Alessandro Salvadego entered the match just prior to the Crows’ fightback, which was eventually murdered with a quickfire double in the 69th and 79th minutes. The Menace were not willing to surrender their lead and despite the intensity that the visitors brought, Des Moines quietly got things under control and enjoyed celebrating with their fans.

With the win, the Menace gained ground on the Flint City Bucks. The victory gave Des Moines 13 all-time Open Cup wins as a franchise, which is the second-most of any amateur teams in the Modern Era (1995-present). The only team with more is the Bucks who have 15.

The result leads to an appetizing matchup pitting the Des Moines Menace, reigning USL League Two champions against USL League One Champions, Omaha Union on April 5 at Morrison Stadium in Omaha, Nebraska.

 

2019 US Open Cup Round 2: Teenage GK comes up big for Saint Louis FC in PK win over Des Moines Menace

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18-year-old Patrick Schulte of Saint Louis FC becomes just the 10th goalkeeper in the Modern Era (1995-present) to make three saves in a PK shootout. Photo: Matt Bird
18-year-old Patrick Schulte of Saint Louis FC becomes just the 10th goalkeeper in the Modern Era (1995-present) to make three saves in a PK shootout. Photo: Matt Bird

Three red cards and twelve yellow cards were handed out in Iowa as Saint Louis FC defeated Des Moines Menace in penalty kicks 3-1 after a 1-1 draw through 120 minutes. Two Menace players and one Saint Louis player were sent off leaving it 10-on-9 at the end of the match.

18-year-old goalkeeper and academy player Patrick Schulte saved three Des Moines penalties in the shootout to get the win. Saint Louis FC now advances to Round 3 where they will face Forward Madison, the last remaining USL League One team in the tournament on May 29.

For Saint Louis, it marks the fifth year in a row that they have advanced in their opening round game.

All three players sent off were either in stoppage time of the second half or in extra time. Koray Easterling of Des Moines was sent off for a second yellow late into regulation. In the 114th minute, it would become 10 v 10 though, as Saint Louis’ Albert Dikwa received two yellow cards for separate infractions in the span of a minute. After being carded during a scuffle before a Saint Louis corner kick, Dikwa would then commit a professional foul on a Menace player during the ensuing counter attack. Dikwa found himself sent off in less than two minutes. At the end of extra time, Gerber Chavez of the Menace also received his second yellow card. The game wasn’t played for long at 9 v 10 before the end of extra time.

Saint Louis got the scoring started early, in the 14th minute. Former Menace player Audi Jepson whipped in a corner kick which found the head of Kyle Grieg for his third goal of the season in all competitions. Saint Louis would continue to control the game but could not find more goals against Menace keeper Jordan Bell.

The Menace did find the equalizer in the first half, after a cross hit the outstretched arm of Sam Fink inside the penalty area. The penalty kick was converted by Nick Perea in the 39th minute, leveling the scoreline where it stayed for the rest of the match.

Saint Louis coach Anthony Pulis was not happy about the awarded penalty and felt “justice was served” at the end of the match.

Saint Louis started making subs in the second half, hoping to find that winning goal and avoid playing another 30 minutes against a scrappy and physical Menace team. They would get close especially into stoppage time after Easterling’s red card, but they could not find that second goal.

After a contentious extra time, Schulte stepped up for Saint Louis in the shootout. He saved three out of the four penalties the Menace took. Saint Louis would not miss a shot in the shootout and prevailed 3-1. It was a rare feat in this tournament as Schulte becomes just the 10th goalkeeper of the Modern Era (1995-present) to make three saves in a penalty kick shootout. For reference, there have been 124 PK shootouts during that span.

“I’m really proud of Patrick Schulte and his performance. He made three fantastic saves,” said Anthony Pulis. “We persevered against performed well against 15 players on the pitch.”

2019 US Open Cup Round 1: In first PK shootout in 14 years, Des Moines Menace edge Duluth FC

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The Des Moines Menace take a team photo before kickoff of their First Round match vs. Duluth FC in the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Des Moines Menace
The Des Moines Menace take a team photo before kickoff of their First Round match vs. Duluth FC in the 2019 US Open Cup. Photo: Des Moines Menace

For Lamar Hunt US Open Cup regulars Des Moines Menace, it was another notch to their belt as they defeated Duluth FC on penalties to advance to the Second Round after a 1-1 draw. Des Moines won the penalty shootout 3-1.

Des Moines didn’t wait long to get on the board for this match, scoring in the 10th minute on a goal by Ignacio Goya de Anca. Goya de Anca was served a great short cross from Marek Weber and Goya de Anca caught it on the volley on his right foot to the far corner of the goal to beat Duluth goalkeeper Alberto Ciroi.

The Menace had some good possession after the goal, but a giveaway in their own half led to a penalty call for Duluth in the 34th minute. On a counter for Duluth, it eventually bounced around to Dorian Barberto where he was almost hockey checked by James Thomas. No card was issued but it was an easy penalty to score for Carlyle Junior. It would stay 1-1 going into halftime.

The second half was much more physical and chippy as both sides tried to find the winning goal. Yellow cards started being awarded in the second half for both teams, but it was Des Moines dominating possession and the majority of the chances. Notably for Duluth, they did have a one-on-one with the Menace keeper Jordan Bell but was denied by Bell. The winning goal would not be found and the match would head to extra time.

Extra time was similar to the second half, with Des Moines netting the majority of the chances. Ciroi was up to the task all night making a few crucial saves and takes from crosses to deny the Menace. Both teams would end up using all four subs in this match, although Des Moines’ last sub in extra time was due to injury as Daniel Mukuna picked up a knock in the 112th minute.

With no one able to break the deadlock, the game went to penalty kicks. For the Menace, who were founded in 1994 and made their Open Cup debut in 2002, it was their first PK shootout since 2005. That year, they eliminated the USL’s Pittsburgh Riverhounds.

Jordan Bell was a savior for Des Moines in the shootout, making a major save in the shootout. Unofficially, he had to save that kick twice. On Duluth’s second kick by Alberto Diaz, Bell was deemed to be off the line the referee while making the save. Bell would then be given a card for arguing and time wasting before the kick was retaken. Diaz was then denied on the retaken kick in a classic “ball don’t lie” situation. Duluth’s Ronaldo Fortune would sky his kick and Aiden Hill would hit the post, leaving Duluth with only the one made kick by Lucas Jacobs.

Des Moines their first three penalty kicks by O’quin Robinson, Rory O’Keefe, and Marek Weber. Des Moines advances to face Saint Louis FC of USL Championship in the Second Round on May 15.

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