Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

Des Moines Menace

2016 US Open Cup Round 3: San Antonio FC rallies to avoid upset, beats Des Moines Menace, 2-1

by

The Des Moines Menace and San Antonio FC battle for the ball in the 2016 US Open Cup. Photo: Antonio Rodriguez
The Des Moines Menace and San Antonio FC battle for the ball in the 2016 US Open Cup. Photo: Antonio Rodriguez

San Antonio FC’s inaugural run in the US Open Cup continues on to the Major League Soccer round after having to travel to face one of the modern tourney’s most prolific amateur sides on their home field.

With seven of their 14 all-time tourney wins over pro clubs, including a 2-0 win over the USL’s Tulsa Roughnecks back on May 18, the Des Moines Menace had reason to come into Wednesday’s Third Round match with San Antonio FC confident for win number eight. Though the Menace would strike first, the offensive effort from San Antonio would finally prove to be too much and the Menace fell 2-1.

San Antonio would dominate possession early as the Menace brought numbers back to withstand the early assault. That traffic in front of the Des Moines net made it difficult for SAFC to get close to the goal. As well, strong defensive play from Des Moines’ Eddie Cass on the right flank deflated a number of SAFC’s chances.

San Antonio would finally get the first major scoring chance as Carlos Alvarez found space just inside the box and sent a ball ringing off the post. The rest of the half saw the sides battle at midfield for loose balls but neither being able to sustain much pressure. They’d go to the half scoreless.

In the second half, Des Moines would come out much more aggressive and organized. SAFC’s Alvarez would end up showing some frustration in the 57th minute after a hard foul on Raul Gonzalez, earning a yellow. Two minutes later, Christian Flath would open scoring for the Menace with a curling free-kick out of reach of the San Antonio keeper and in the right side of the net.

Both teams made subs with around 25 minutes left and play picked up as Des Moines nearly added to their lead in the 69th minute as Eddie Cass knocked a header off the crossbar. Then in the 71st minute, Austin Ledbetter earned a yellow card and free kick for San Antonio. Sam Mcbride would get a head on the kick from Alvarez and evened the match with less than 20 minutes o play.

San Antonio would take the lead in the 81st minute as Shawn Chin dribbled along the end line & fed the ball to the top of the box to Jacques Francois, who knocked it in the goal’s bottom-right corner for what would prove to be the game-winner. Francois was also integral in both of SAFC’s goals in their last tourney game against the Corinthians of the NPSL.

With time running out, Des Moines upped the pressure in search of an equalizer. Des Moines keeper Nico Campbell came forward and assisted play from around the midline. Though the Menace sent some late chances toward the goal they couldn’t get the late goal. The charge would be subdued in the 89th minute, as Elvir Ibesevic, would earn a red in the midst of traffic in front of the San Antonio goal.

Now with wins over Corinthians FC and Des Moines, San Antonio moves on to the Cup’s Fourth Round. They’ll make the three-hour trek up Texas’ I-10 to Houston’s BBVA Compass Stadium to face the MLS Dynamo on June 15.

2016 US Open Cup Round 2: Des Moines Menace add to upset resume, 2-0 over Tulsa Roughnecks

by

Des Moines Menace logoFor the seventh time in the club’s history, the Des Moines Menace of the Premier Development League (PDL) have beaten a pro team to advance to the next round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. This time, it was a 2-0 result at home against the USL’s Tulsa Roughnecks.

With seven upsets over professional teams — four against Division 2 teams (4-3-0), three against Div. 3 clubs (2-1-1, 1-0 PKs) — they are second only to the Michigan Bucks (9) for most among all amateur clubs in the Modern Era (1995-present).

The early minutes of the match were mostly dominated by the Roughnecks, but neither team would have a real shot on goal until the 14th minute when Des Moines’ Heath Preston fired an attempt just side of the net.

Tulsa continued to control the ball through the first half, which went into the break tied at 0-0.

The second half of the match would bring plenty of action.

In the 48th minute, Tulsa coach David Irving was sent off. The sending off of Irving was the first of many officiating decisions that would not be in the Roughnecks favor. Defender Mason Grimes would receive a yellow in the 56th minute followed by a red card being shown to forward Taylor Morgan just 10 minutes later.

It would quickly get worse for Tulsa as Des Moines’ Sean Hoek opened the scoring just two minutes after his squad went up a man. The Roughnecks managed to hold off an attacking Menace side until the 81st minute when a bullet shot from Elvir Ibisevic would put the match away for the Menace. The remaining nine minutes and stoppage time proved to be not enough for the 10-man Tulsa club to mount a comeback.

The win moves Des Moines on to the next round of the Open Cup where they will host San Antonio FC on June 1. Here, they will hope to add another pro team to their list of upsets and earn a fourth date with a Major League Soccer team in the Fourth Round.

Things you should know about the Second Round of the US Open Cup (Modern Era)

by

 

FC Cincinnati fans cheer on their team during a Second Round match in the 2018 US Open Cup against Detroit City FC. Photo: Brett Hansbauer | 4th Floor Creative
FC Cincinnati fans cheer on their team during a Second Round match in the 2018 US Open Cup against Detroit City FC. Photo: Brett Hansbauer | 4th Floor Creative

In 2002, no team below the Second Division advanced beyond the Second Round.

The Modern Era (1995-present) record for single-game attendance is held by FC Cincinnati when they had an announced attendance of 12,790 at Nippert Stadium (University of Cincinnati) when they defeated AFC Cleveland (NPSL) 1-0 in extra time on May 17, 2017. The record for average attendance in the Second Round is 3,019 (16 games) from the 2001 tournament.

The El Paso Patriots recorded the biggest rout in the Second Round since 1995, defeating the Arizona Sahuaros 9-1 in 1998. Kirk Wilson scored three times to lead the Patriots. Matching the eight-goal margin, the most lopsided shutout came in 2001 when DC United of MLS trampled the New Jersey Stallions of the D3 Pro League 8-0.

Kiley Couch of Dallas Roma FC (left) challenges for the ball against Romario of Miami FC during their Second Round match during the 2006 US Open Cup. Photo: Dallas Roma FC
Kiley Couch of Dallas Roma FC (left) challenges for the ball against Romario of Miami FC during their Second Round match during the 2006 US Open Cup. Photo: Dallas Roma FC

From 1996-2013, only three Open Division Local clubs won Second Round games. Bavarian SC defeated the Reading Rage (D-3 Pro League) 1-0 in the Second Round of 2003. Dallas Roma FC became the first USASA team to defeat a second division team when they eliminated Miami FC (USL First Division) 1-0 in 2006. Cal FC traveled across the country and upset the Wilmington Hammerheads of USL Pro (Div. 3 pro) 4-0 to reach Round 3 in 2013. However, in 2014, that mark was blown out of the water, as a record five Open Division Local teams reached the Third Round: New York Greek American Atlas (Region I), RWB Adria (Region II), North Texas Rayados (Region III), Des Moines Menace (Region II), and PSA Elite (Region IV) who advanced after the San Diego Flash forfeited. The reason for this increase was due, in large part, to the change in format which saw an increase to 80 teams, and an abbreviated opening round (8 games). Of this group, only RWB Adria and PSA Elite began in the First Round, so the rest of the teams only had to win one game.

Open Division teams winning Second Round games doesn’t happen often, but it’s not unheard of during the Modern Era. 41 USL League Two (formerly PDL) teams have made it to the Third Round in the Modern Era. The Flint City Bucks (formerly Michigan Bucks) have done it more than anyone else, advancing to Round 3 six times. 19 Open Division Local teams have reached the Third Round. The NPSL has had nine teams win Second Round games, with four of them all coming in 2018: Brooklyn Italians (2014), Chattanooga FC (2014, 2015, 2016), Elm City Express (2018), Miami United (2018), FC Wichita (2018), Jacksonville Armada (2018), Orange County FC (2019).

The US Soccer Federation increased the number of teams to 80 in 2014, creating the largest Second Round in the Modern Era (and quite possibly of all time) with 24 games on the schedule. One of the games was forfeited, and one was moved to May 13, leaving a record 22 games to be played on May 14. That record was broken as the tournament continued to expand in 2017 when there were 26 games played, and then again in 2022 when 31 games were on the schedule.

In 2013, a record four Open Division clubs advanced to Round 3. The following year, due to a change in format and an increase in amateur entries, 12 amateur clubs reached the Third Round, which remains a Modern Era record.

1997: Central Coast Roadrunners
1999: Mid-Michigan Bucks
2000: Mid-Michigan Bucks, Chicago Sockers
2001: Seattle Sounders Select
2003: Mid-Michigan Bucks, Fresno Fuego
2004: Chicago Fire Reserves, Cape Cod Crusaders, Boulder Rapids Reserves, Carolina Dynamo
2005: Ocean City Barons, Des Moines Menace
2006: Michigan Bucks, Des Moines Menace, Carolina Dynamo
2009: Ocean City Barons
2011: Chicago Fire PDL, Kitsap Pumas
2012: Michigan Bucks, Ventura County Fusion,
2013: Des Moines Menace, FC Tucson, Ocean City Nor’easters, Reading United AC
2014: Reading United AC, New York Greek American Atlas SC, RWB Adria, Orlando City U23s, Brooklyn Italians, Laredo Heat, North Texas Rayados, Fresno Fuego, PSA Elite, Baltimore Bohemians, Chattanooga FC, Des Moines Menace
2015: Chattanooga FC, Chula Vista FC, Jersey Express, PSA Elite, Ventura County Fusion
2016: Chattanooga FC, Des Moines Menace, Jersey Express, Kitsap Pumas, La Maquina, Lansdowne Bhoys FC, Los Angeles Wolves FC
2017: Chicago FC United, Christos FC, GPS Omens, Los Angeles Wolves FC, Michigan Bucks, Reading United AC
2018: Elm City Express, FC Golden State Force, FC Wichita, Jacksonville Armada FC, Miami United, Mississippi Brilla FC, NTX Rayados, Ocean City Nor’easters, Sporting AZ FC
2019: Florida Soccer Soldiers, Orange County FC

Updated after 2019 US Open Cup

2016 US Open Cup Round 1: Des Moines Menace rally to beat FC Wichita, earn rare home game vs. pro team

by

Des Moines Menace logoThe Des Moines Menace is through to the next round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

The Menace used a late, breakaway goal from Leigh Veidman to secure the 1-0 victory over FC Wichita (NPSL) and move on to host the Tulsa Roughnecks Wednesday at Valley Stadium.

“It’s exciting for the club,” said Veidman. “We’re excited to get to play a pro team at home.”

Wichita opened the scoring in the 46th minute, after a miscue in the penalty area gave the hosts a free tap-in. Carlos Contreras was left wide open on the back post to knock home a cross from the right side of the goal area.

Mark Heath Preston knotted the game up in the 57th minute on a breakaway attempt from a quick throw-in. Working down the left flank, Heath Preston cut in and was one-on-one with Steven Hamersky. The forward powered his shot to the near post and put the Menace on level terms once again.

Veidman capped off Des Moines’ comeback to give the Menace the opportunity to host a US Open Cup game for the seventh straight season. .

The England native worked behind the Wichita defense in the 85th minute and slotted home the breakaway goal, just one minute after the Menace had multiple opportunities to find a winner.

Hamersky kept out two shots and watched as a Heath Preston-header clipped the crossbar.

“I think it shows a lot of character, going down a goal and coming back for the win,” Veidman said. “We were creating chances, and it was a just a case of being patient and composed when the opportunity came. This gives us a sense of momentum going into next week, and I’m just happy for the team.”

Des Moines now has the Tulsa Roughnecks on deck at home. This season, Tulsa sits 13th out of 15 teams in the USL Western Conference.

This will be the first time in 11 years the Menace has hosted a professional team in the Open Cup. The last time they did was in 2005 when they upset the USL’s Charleston Battery 3-2 at Waukee Stadium. Next week will mark the first time the club will host a pro team at Valley Stadium.

2015 US Open Cup Round 2: Saint Louis FC wins tournament debut in overtime, 2-1 over Des Moines Menace

by

st-louis-fc-logoThe US Open Cup has come back to Saint Louis.

Needing extra time, USL side Saint Louis FC finished off the defending Premier Development League regular-season champion Des Moines Menace, 2-1, to set up a Third Round date with North American Soccer League power, Minnesota United FC.

Saint Louis capitalized on a man advantage in the first half of extra time, when Jermie Lynch cleaned up a mishandled collection from Paul Blanchette. A cross from Parker Maher caromed off the crossbar and back into play. Before Blanchette could collect, Lynch nodded home the loose ball. Chaos ensued on the celebration, with the Saint Louis squad being mobbed by the home support group, the St. Louigans.

Des Moines, despite being down a man and a goal, equalized through a Chris Hellmann penalty kick in the 87th minute. Goalkeeper Mark Pais guessed incorrectly, diving to the shooter’s right. Vincent Cicciarelli drew the penalty kick after working the touch line and being tackled in front of the net.

The home side got on the board midway through the second half. Brian Gaul poked home a breakaway ball from Maher in the 68th minute. His chip over Blanchette bounced once and rolled the rest of the way home.

Immediately after the opening goal, Saint Louis had nearly doubled the lead with another breakaway attempt. Gaul received a long ball behind the back line, only to be bucked back by Blanchette’s left hand.

“I think we just need to take this for what it is,” Gaul said. “It was a tough game, but we got the win.”

This was the first Open Cup game played by a St. Louis team since 2010. The First Round game, as it was, featured the Menace and AC St. Louis of the short-lived USSF Division 2. One of tonight’s subs, Mike Ambersley, was the lone goalscorer in the 2010 game. The team folded after the 2010 season.

Des Moines was running out of the gates, spurring eight shots and forcing Menace alum Mark Pais into two saves. The halftime break allowed Saint Louis to get a foothold, and the pro side came out swinging.

“I wasn’t surprised with how well they came out,” Gaul said. “They’re a PDL side, a bunch of college kids. There’s some future pros in there.”

A year ago, Des Moines bowed out in the Third Round to Minnesota United FC. A late goal from Cristian Ramirez propelled the North American Soccer League team. The Loons, 3-3-0 in the Open Cup, were ousted in the Fourth Round to Major League Soccer’s Sporting Kansas City.

2015 US Open Cup Round 1: Des Moines Menace join 10-win club, 2-1 over Madison Fire SC

by

Des Moines MenacePlayers shaking hands in the parking lot did not take away from the Des Moines Menace coming together on Wednesday night.

Fielding a squad of local talent and college players just off for the summer, Des Moines moved onto the next round of the US Open Cup with a 2-1 win over Madison Fire SC in front of a home crowd at Valley Stadium. A more complete squad will be ready for Saint Louis FC on next Wednesday, May 20, in St. Louis, Mo.

“We’ve got guys showing up last night; we’ve got guys showing up today,” Matkovich said. “We need some time to organize together, time to train.”

Forward Vincent Cicciarelli made an immediate impact on the game, despite having been with the team for less than 24 hours. His goal in the 35th minute opened the scoring for the Menace. Charlie Bales sliced through the defense, dribbling through the Madison backline before finding the new forward open on the back post. Cicciarelli’s tap into the back of the net gave Des Moines a 1-0 lead at the half.

Bales, playing in his fifth season with the Menace, showed his experience for a second time in the match. Collecting the ball on the wing after a darting run from the back, his cross found the neon shoes of substitute Ramone Howell in front of the net. The fresh legs reached out for the ball and redirected the cross into the back of the net in the 62nd minute.

Madison made the game interesting late, with a penalty kick from Trevor Banks. The foul was called on Des Moines’ Alec Bartlett for muscling Ryan Hanna to the ground in the penalty area. Banks, despite the delay from goalkeeper Paul Blanchette arguing with the referee, spotted his shot in the shooter’s low-left corner in the 76th minute.

“We made it a little harder on ourselves than it needed to be,” Matkovich said. “I knew it would difficult; any Cup game is difficult. We’ve got to be better down the stretch. Those are lessons we’ll learn.”

While player-coach David Kommavang had some, Madison Fire came into the game without any Open Cup experience. The Fire, who compete in the Wisconsin Soccer League, earned their first trip to the tournament by winning a single qualifying game in the United States Adult Soccer Association. They defeated fellow Region II team FC Indiana 1-0 on Oct. 4. Kommavang’s time in the tournament happened in 2011, when he came on as a substitute for the Madison 56ers in their 4-0 win over the AAC Eagles (USASA).

The Menace’s sixth-consecutive appearance in the Open Cup – 10th overall – travels through St. Louis. In 2010, the Menace lost to AC St. Louis, 1-0, at home, continuing a streak of misfortune at Valley Stadium. From 2010-2012, all of the Menace’s tournament-ending games came in front of a home crowd.

“St. Louis will be exciting,” Bales said. “It’s going to be a good test, playing a USL squad, and seeing what level we’re really at.”

Having the weekend off will allow USL side Saint Louis FC more time to prepare for the second-round clash, while Des Moines opens the Premier Development League season with a game in Springfield, Mo. Wednesday’s Open Cup game is scheduled for 7 p.m.

MORE: Meet the Underdogs: Madison Fire make US Open Cup debut representing Wisconsin

Fourth Round fun facts: Notable upsets, things you should know about Round 4

by

Players from the Houston Dynamo (orange) and NTX Rayados battle for the ball in their Fourth Round match in the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Jose Castellanos | Prost Amerika
Players from the Houston Dynamo (orange) and NTX Rayados battle for the ball in their Fourth Round match in the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Jose Castellanos | Prost Amerika

The US Open Cup has only had a Fourth Round (prior to the Quarterfinals) 12 times in the Modern Era (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2012-22).

The first indoor game in US Open Cup history took place in the Fourth Round. On July 20, 2004, the Minnesota Thunder hosted the Los Angeles Galaxy at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minn. The Thunder upset the Galaxy that day 1-0, in front of 5,505 fans. Defender Chris Brunt scored the game-winning goal in the 21st minute.

No Open Division team in the Modern Era has ever advanced beyond the Fourth Round

Only 7 USL League Two (PDL) teams have advanced to the Fourth Round, all but one have faced MLS teams
2018: FC Golden State Force (lost 3-1 at Los Angeles Galaxy)
2016: Kitsap Pumas (lost 2-0 at Seattle Sounders FC)
2014: Laredo Heat (lost 1-0 at Houston Dynamo)
2014: Orlando City U23s (lost 3-0 at Portland Timbers)
2012: Michigan Bucks (lost 2-1 AET vs. Dayton Dutch Lions)
2006: Carolina Dynamo (lost 4-2 vs. Houston Dynamo)
2005: Des Moines Menace (lost 6-1 vs. Kansas City Wizards)
2003: Fresno Fuego (lost 3-1 vs. Los Angeles Galaxy)

Only 6 Open Division Local (USASA) teams have advanced to the Fourth Round
2018: NTX Rayados (lost 5-0 at Houston Dynamo)
2017: Christos FC (lost 4-1 at D.C. United of MLS)
2016: La Maquina (lost 4-1 AET at Los Angeles Galaxy of MLS)
2015: PSA Elite (lost 6-1 at Los Angeles Galaxy of MLS)
2014: PSA Elite (lost 5-0 at Seattle Sounders of MLS)
2012: Cal FC (lost 5-0 at Seattle Sounders of MLS)
2006: Dallas Roma FC (lost 2-0 at Los Angeles Galaxy of MLS)

Only 2 NPSL teams have advanced to the Fourth Round
2019: Orange County FC (lost 3-0 at Los Angeles Galaxy)
2018: Miami United FC (lost 3-0 vs. Orlando City SC)

In 2006, only teams from Major League Soccer emerged from the Fourth Round.

The Harrisburg City Islanders (USL Pro) won a Fourth Round game in 2012 by upsetting the New York Red Bulls 3-1 after extra time. Photo: Harrisburg City Islanders

The Chicago Fire did not lose a Fourth Round game until 2019 when they lost to Saint Louis FC. Prior to that, they had a 7-0-2 (2-0 PKs) record.

Major League Soccer began playing in the tournament in the Fourth Round for the first time in 2014 as part of an expanded format.

The attendance record in the Modern Era was set in 2013 when Sporting Kansas City (MLS) hosted Orlando City SC (USL PRO) at Sporting Park in front of an announced attendance of 15,981. Thanks to that figure, the record for Fourth Round average attendance was broken with 6,887 across the eight games. Sporting Kansas City later broke their own record in 2015 when they hosted and defeated Saint Louis FC (USL) 1-0 on June 16, 2015 in front of an announced crowd of 19,298. FC Cincinnati shattered that record in 2017 when they drew 30,160 to Nippert Stadium to watch them upset the Columbus Crew (MLS), 1-0.

In 2014, with Major League Soccer not entering the tournament until Round 4, a record three amateur teams (Laredo Heat, Orlando City U23s, PSA Elite) advanced beyond the Third Round, followed by five amateur teams reaching the Fourth Round in 2015.

Notable upsets in the Fourth Round

2003: Wilmington Hammerheads (PSL) 4:1 Dallas Burn (MLS)
2003: Seattle Sounders (A-League) 1:0 San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
2004: Charleston Battery (A-League) 1:0 Metrostars (MLS)
2004: Rochester Raging Rhinos (A-League) 1:1 New England Revolution (MLS) (ROC advances on PKs 3-1)
2004: Richmond Kickers (PSL) 2:1 DC United (MLS)
2004: Minnesota Thunder (A-League) 1:0 Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS)
2005: Rochester Raging Rhinos (USL-1) 3:1 Metrostars (MLS)
2005: Minnesota Thunder (USL-1) 4:1 Colorado Rapids (MLS)
2006: None
2012: Harrisburg City Islanders (USL PROro) 3:1 (AET) New York Red Bulls (MLS)
2012: Charlotte Eagles (USL PRO) 2:1 (AET) San Antonio Scorpions (NASL)
2013: Carolina RailHawks (NASL) 3:1 (AET) Chivas USA (MLS)
2013: Orlando City SC (USL PRO) 1:0 Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
2014: Atlanta Silverbacks (NASL) 2:1 Real Salt Lake (MLS)
2014: Carolina RailHawks (NASL) 1:1 (3:2 PKs) Chivas USA (MLS)
2014: New York Cosmos (NASL) 3:0 New York Red Bulls (MLS)
2014: Rochester Rhinos (USL) 1:0 DC United (MLS)
2015: Charlotte Independence (USL) 1:0 New England Revolution (MLS)
2015: New York Cosmos 2:2 (4:3 PKs) New York City FC (MLS)
2016: New York City FC (MLS) 0:1 New York Cosmos (NASL)
2016: D.C. United (MLS) 0:0 (3:4 PKs) Fort Lauderdale Strikers (NASL)
2017: Columbus Crew (MLS) 0:1 FC Cincinnati (USL)
2017: Miami FC (NASL) 3:1 Orlando City SC (MLS)
2017: Sacramento Republic FC (USL) 4:1 Real Salt Lake (MLS)
2018: Louisville City FC (USL) 3:2 New England Revolution (MLS)
2018: Nashville SC (USL) 2:0 Colorado Rapids (MLS)
2018: Sacramento Republic FC (USL) 2:1 (AET) Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)
2019: Saint Louis FC (USL-C) 2:1 Chicago Fire (MLS)
2019: Colorado Rapids (MLS) 2:2 (2:4 PKs) New Mexico United (USL-C)
2022: None

2014 US Open Cup qualifying: Des Moines Menace clinch USASA berth in snow; Schwaben AC return after 50 years (video)

by

Sean Hoek of the Des Moines Menace attemps a shot in the club's USASA Region II semifinal match against RWB Adria. Photo: Art Schramm | Wing Nutt Photography

On a snow-covered field Saturday night, the Des Moines Menace smashed three goals in a span of 15 minutes to ease past RWB Adria in the semifinals of the USASA Region II tournament. With the finalists in the touranment clinching a spot in the 2014 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, the victory puts the USASA edition of the Menace club back in the tournament for the first time since 2011.

In the other semifinal, Schwaben AC punched their ticket to the tournament for the first time in half a century with a 3-1 win over AAC Eagles in an all-Illinois match-up. The last time Schwaben AC took part in the US Open Cup, it was 1964 and the Beatles had just released their debut album and US National Team manager Jurgen Klinsmann was born.

The format for the 2014 US Open Cup tournament has yet to be released, but the USASA is expected to received two spots from each of their four regions. Region I and III have decided to submit their teams based on last season’s results, while Region II elected to hold a brief tournament before the Dec. 31 qualifying deadline. Region IV has yet to finalize their plans.

Ben Taylor of the Des Moines Menace tries to control the ball in the snow against RWB Adria. Photo: Art Schramm | Wing Nutt Photography

With the PDL version of the Menace club expected to qualify based on their 2013 league results, this will mark the first time in the Modern Professional Era (1995-present) that two entries from the same club will participate in the US Open Cup.

Michael Thaden opened the scoring for the Menace in the 49th minute after putting home a Taylor Ostrander cross from the left flank. Ostrander pushed through the snowy terrain to track down a long ball in a bit of space before finding a streaking Thaden in the center of the field. Thaden collected the ball at the top of the penalty area and ripped off a shot with his second touch.

The shot blew past Igor Dimov for RWB Adria to propel the Menace to a one-goal lead.

Sean Hoek put his name on the scoring summary after he produced a solo effort to put away a low line drive into the net. After collecting a long ball from the defense nearly 30 yards out, Hoek blew past the Adria back line to find space on the right side of the penalty area. Having the angle on Dimov, Hoek produced a line drive, which snuck inside the right post, giving the Menace a 2-0 lead at the 54-minute mark.

“It felt good, especially after the way the game was going,” Hoek said about his goal. “The game was fun, though. I’ve played on a frozen field in a tournament, but never played in snow.”

Darren Marcello of the Des Moines Menace sends a goal kick up the field against RWB Adria. Photo: Art Schramm | Wing Nutt Photography

Mike Noonan would flick home an Espriu cross in the 64th minute to put Des Moines up by three, but Adria began finding a foothold in the snow with just under 25 minutes to play. Adnan Ejupovic and Martin Khoshaba began stringing some offensive threats together for the Chicago side, but just could not hit the frame.

The best chance for RWB Adria came late in the game, when Des Moines goalkeeper Darren Marcello mishandled a cross from the right side. Alex Ricketts put a head on the ball, popping it up but on frame in the dying minutes of the game. The ball would have found the net, but Jack Pearson would ease the ball away, giving away a corner but preserving the clean sheet.

Dimov did make key saves down the stretch, giving Adria a bit of confidence. The biggest call to action was a one-on-one situation with Des Moines’ Tucker Sindlinger near the top of the penalty area. Sindlinger tried to curl in a shot to the right post, but Dimov came up with an acrobatic diving save in the end.

The Menace side, featuring a mix of alumni of the PDL team and current college students, brought more heat in a game that was 12 degrees at kickoff.

“I thought the beginning of the game was more of a feeling out process, especially with the field conditions and a team we had never seen before,” said Menace head coach Mike Jeffries. “I thought the second half, we had little more of a sense on how we wanted to get at them, with more direct play. It was not necessarily long balls, but just getting forward a bit quicker.”

The Menace will be joined in the 2014 US Open Cup, and the USASA Region II championship game by Schwaben AC who neeeded two late goals to defeat fellow Chicago-area club AAC Eagles.

The goals came in the 76th and 78th minutes It took two late goals, in the 76th and 78th-minutes to come up with a winner. Schwaben AC, of Illinois, punched their ticket to the 2014 US Open Cup by virtue of a 3-1 win over the AAC Eagles.

The last time Schwaben competed in the US Open Cup was when they lost in the semifinals of the 1964 tournament. Prior to that, their Open Cup participation dates back to at least 1943. Their best finish came in 1956 when they were runners-up after losing an exciting championship series to the Harmarville Hurricanes (Pittsburgh).

Schwaben and the Eagles possessed two completely different playing styles, with Schwaben electing to play over the top to beat them with speed, while the Eagles were more tactical and connected the passes through the middle of the field. Schwaben won the contest in the second half with goals in the 76th and 78th minutes when tired legs took over in the Eagles backline.

The game-winner came on a failed clearance inside the penalty area with less than 15 minutes remaining. Schwaben tracked down a long ball from the defense in the offensive third and looked to get in a cross from the left flank. An end line cross was sent toward the penalty spot, with the Eagles making first contact on the ball. The attempted clearance was poor, and it would be their downfall. A mad scramble in the penalty area ensued, with Schwaben finally poking in a shot. The ball was lost amongst the amount of bodies, but by the time the Eagles saw it, it was already in the back of the net.

Adding a bit of insurance, Schwaben tucked away a final goal two minutes later on a breakaway created from a long ball from the backline.

Early on, SAC had more of the game, scoring right away. Schwaben controlled more of the possession in the first half and it was rewarded with a 15th minute goal. The ball built up from the back playing through the defenders and using the midfielders to push forward. Schwaben pushed down the right side, breaking past the Eagles defense and taking the ball into the penalty area. Faced with a one-on-one situation, Schwaben got the better of the Eagles goalkeeper this time around, and smashed home a rocket to take the 1-0 lead.

Eagles did bring a bit of momentum into the closing moments of the first half after their goal brought them back on level terms. A dangerous free kick was the ultimate demise of SAC, after the goalkeeper called off his defenders to collect the delivery. The AAC Eagles sprung past their marks and powered home a header from 15 yards out to draw the teams back to an even playing field.

Willy Schaeffer, part of the Schwaben AC squad, offered his thoughts following the game: “Both teams were fluent today. The field conditions were frozen, but overall both teams did well. I was proud of the effort put forth today.”

MATCH: RWB ADRIA V. DES MOINES MENACE
DATE: Saturday, November 23, 2013
COMPETITION: USASA National Cups, Region II Tournament, Semifinals

Scoring Summary
Des Moines: Michael Thaden (Thomas Ostrander) – 49th min.
Des Moines: Sean Hoek – 54th min.
Des Moines: Michael Noonan (Rodrigo Espriu) – 64th min.

Misconduct Summary
RWB Adria: Martin Khoshaba (Yellow Card) – 44th min.
RWB Adria: Igor Dimov (Yellow Card) – 84th min.
RWB Adria: Adnan Ejupovic (Red Card) – 90th+ min.

DES MOINES STARTERS:
GK- Darren Marcello
D- Sergio Leiva
D- Ben Taylor
D- Jack Pearson
D- Chris Scott
M- Bruno Moreas
M- Sean Hoek
M- Michael Thaden
F- Thomas Ostrander
F- Rodrigo Espriu
F- Michael Noonan

RWB ADRIA STARTERS:
GK- Igor Dimov
Taylor Bond
Adnan Ejupovic
Fadi Houma
Martin Khoshaba
William Kletzien
Rohan Mckenzie
Semir Mesanovic
Dorin Opera
Alex Ricketts
Igor Stijepic

2014 US Open Cup qualifying: Des Moines Menace USASA team beats KC Athletics to complete Region 2 final four

by

2014 US Open Cup qualifying KC Athletics at Des Moines Menace USASA
Mike Noonan (12) and Rodrigo Espriu of the Des Moines Menace celebrate Espriu's second goal against the Kansas City Athletics in the USASA Region II Open Cup quarterfinals. Photo: Art Shramm | Wing Nutt Photography

The Des Moines Menace needed a scoring outburst in the second half to advance past the Kansas City Athletics 4-2 in the quarterfinals of the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA) Region II Open Cup qualifying tournament.

The Menace, who compete in the United Soccer League’s Premier Development League, began fielding a separate team in the USASA’s Open Cup qualifying tournament back in 2007 in an attempt to give their club two chances at reaching the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. This year, they are back in the Region II tournament after a two-year layoff.

Menace forward Rodrigo Espriu netted the game winner and added an insurance goal in a span of three minutes early in the second half to push the USASA Menace past the Athletics in the teams’ third all-time meeting. In 2010, Kansas City edged Des Moines in a penalty kick shootout, but the Menace got their revenge the following year, clinching their first-ever US Open Cup berth by beating the shorthanded Athletics 7-1.

“I knew the chance would come,” said Espriu of his tie-breaking score. “I had the goal in front of me and knew I had to put it in.”

It was the Athletics who looked potent early, pushing Des Moines into a defensive stance with play along the sidelines. The pressure was rewarded when Michael Ferguson collected a pass in the middle of the field, split a pair of defenders and launched a laser past Menace goalkeeper Darren Marcello from 30 yards out.

Des Moines Menace fans and players celebrate after Sean Hoek scores against the KC Athletics in the USASA Region II quarterfinals. Photo: Art Schramm | Wing Nutt Photography

But Des Moines responded with pressure of its own. After securing a corner kick off a turnover deep in Kansas City territory, Sean Hoek volleyed Ben Taylor’s cross into the top of the net to bring the teams level at one goal apiece.

“We just had to take the opportunities when we got them,” Hoek said after the game.

But the momentum heading into the second stanza belonged to the visitors after a stoppage time cross by Kansas City’s Josh Westberg got caught in the wind and found the upper corner of the net.

Looking for revenge after their one-sided defeat in 2011, Kansas City was unable to hold its 2-1 lead for long. Just five minutes into the second half, the Menace’s Mike Noonan collected a long pass and deked past Athletics goalkeeper Boris Pardo, a former Major League Soccer pool player, to even the match.

It didn’t take much longer for Espriu to break the game open. Capitalizing on defensive mistakes by Kansas City, the forward slotted two goals past Pardo within five minutes of Noonan’s equalizer.

With a two-goal lead, Des Moines shut out Kansas City in the second half to put themselves one win away from a berth in the 2014 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

Rodrigo Espriu of the Des Moines Menace scores the game-winning goal against the KC Athletics in the USASA Region II quarterfinals. Photo: Art Schramm | Wing Nutt Photography

“I thought the game was well-contested. Kansas City did a good job, testing us with their shape and their movements,” said Menace coach Mike Jeffries. “But we made the little adjustments we needed in the second half.”

After entering as the state of Iowa’s only entry from 2007-2011, the Menace didn’t submit a team the last two years. They qualified for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup in 2011, falling in the opening round to the Chicago Fire’s PDL team, 1-0. If the tournament’s format remains the same as last year and the Menace PDL team qualifies, as expected, and the USASA club beats Chicago’s RWB Adria in the semifinals, then both will join the tournament. The challenge of that scenario is the Menace will have to submit two separate rosters, one for each team.

Des Moines will face RWB Adria on Nov. 23 with the winner moving on to the Region II final. The winner of that game and the other semifinal between Illinois clubs Schwaben AC and AAC Eagles are expected to clinch a spot in the 2014 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, assuming the tournament format remains the same as last year.

“They’re a very tough team,” said Jeffries of the Menace’s next opponent. “They’re one of the top men’s league teams not only in the region, but in the nation.”

2013 USASA Region II Quarterfinals

Des Moines Menace (IA) 4:2 KC Athletics (KS)
RWB Adria (IL) 4:1 Bavarian SC (WI)
Schwaben AC (IL) 2:1 FC Indiana (IN)
AAC Eagles (IL) 3:1 Croatian Eagles (WI)

Semifinals (“Win & You’re In”)

RWB Adria (IL) at Des Moines Menace (IA) – 7 p.m. CT
AAC Eagles (IL) vs. Schwaben AC (IL)
Winners expected to qualify for 2014 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup

—————————–
Kansas City Athletics at Des Moines Menace
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Valley Stadium (turf field) in West Des Moines, Iowa
Kickoff: 2 p.m. CDT
Weather: 50s, overcast

Scoring Summary:
MENACE: Sean Hoek (Ben Taylor) 41:00; Mike Noonan (Jack Pearson) 50:00; Rodrigo Espriu 53:00; Espriu 55:00
KC – Michael Ferguson 18:00; Josh Westberg 45:00

Stats Summary: MENACE / KC

Shots on Goal: 5 / 6
Saves: 4 / 1
Corner Kicks: 5 / 7
Fouls: 8 / 3
Offside: 5 / 2

Misconduct Summary: MENACE cautions: Ben Taylor 49:00 KC cautions: Garrett Webb 58:00

2013 US Open Cup Third Round: Defending champ Sporting KC blank Des Moines Menace 2-0 to move on

by

On a night where multiple MLS teams fell to lower division opponents, the defending US Open Cup Champion took care of business.  Sporting Kansas City made a 12th minute goal by Kei Kamara stand up before adding an insurance strike from Claudio Bieler to defeat the Des Moines Menace 2-0 in front of 13,000 fans at Sporting Park.

The home side started well with Kamara nearly opening the scoring after just three minutes. Chance Myers, starting on the wing instead of his normal right back position, whipped in a dangerous cross, finding Kamara at the back post, but the forward’s shot only found the side netting.

Five minutes later it was Myers missing a golden opportunity. A deflection found the winger at the back post with Des Moines goalkeeper Scott Angevine out of position. Yet Myers could only throw up his hands in disbelief as Albet Edward managed to block his attempt on goal.

Sporting continued to push and was rewarded in the 12th minute. In a carbon copy of the third minute chance, Myers sent a cross to the back post that Kamara was able to acrobatically poke home.

From there, Des Moines settled in, but never managed to seriously threaten Kansas City’s lead.

“We were obviously hoping to survive the first 15 minutes better than we ended up,” said Des Moines coach Mike Jeffries. “What I will say is I thought the guys reacted incredibly well after giving up the first goal. We always felt that as the half wore on we’d be able to settle into the game a little bit better.”

The best chance for the Menace came when Abel Sebele was played into the box in the 28th minute, but his first touch let him down and he sent a shot wide from a tough angle.

Sporting continued to dominate the game, but wasted numerous chances to extend its lead, finishing with 21 shots, eight of which were on target.

“You’re always concerned when you’re in a situation where you have as many chances as we did,” said Sporting head coach Peter Vermes. “I just felt more that we needed to finish another one as opposed to maybe the problem of taking one in. You still have to put those goals away to put a team away.”

Kansas City got the goal to put Des Moines away from Designated Player Bieler shortly after subbing him on for Kamara.

“You could see the class in his play when he went out there, how simple he made the game,” said Vermes.

With the win, Sporting advances to the US Open Cup fourth round where it will host USL affiliate Orlando City SC on June 12.

There will be plenty of storylines for that contest as four KC players are currently on loan with the third division club, although Vermes said he wasn’t sure whether the quartet would be eligible to play against their parent club.

“I think it’s going to be more from the league,” he said of the decision. “That’s something the league has to be involved with to be sure.”

As a consolation prize, the Des Moines Menace will be awarded the $15,000 Division 4 prize money. All four PDL teams lost in the Third Round, but they won the prize based on being the only one to defeat a Division 2 team (Minnesota United FC) in regulation.

Scoring Summary:

KC: Kei Kamara (Chance Myers) 12’

KC: Claudio Bieler (Jacob Peterson) 73’

Discipline:

KC: Michael Thomas (caution) 33’

DM: Michael Thaden (caution) 40’

DM: Chris Harmon (caution) 54’

Copyright © 2026 • Built by Jacob Martella Web Development