WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – Saturday, June 23, 2018 – Unbeaten but not untied.
The Des Moines Menace’s record is 9-0-1 after a 1-1 draw with Kaw Valley FC tonight at Valley Stadium.
Entering this Heartland Division showdown, the Menace knew a 10th straight win would clinch a spot in the Premier Development League Playoffs. After tonight’s result, the math is simple as Des Moines prepares for its four remaining regular-season matches – all at home.
With one more win, the Menace will be headed back to the playoffs as division champs.
When the Menace took the lead in tonight’s 78th minute, it looked like Des Moines might just maintain its only-perfect-record-in-the-league status. After repeated opportunities, the Menace gained the upper-hand when Audi Jepson slipped in a shot following Chris Hellmann’s spot-on through-ball.
“A great pass from Chris. I found myself a couple inches off my defender and was able to finish it,” said Jepson. “Credit to Chris.”
Kaw Valley responded just six minutes later, when Prichard Sibanda poked in Eric McWoods’ overhead ball. The expansion club from Kansas is 4-4-2 and still in the chase for one of the division’s two postseason berths.
Next Friday, these teams again go head-to-head, back here at Valley Stadium, for their third and final meeting. The season series is on the line; Des Moines won 2-1 in Lawrence on June 1.
“It’s unlucky – they scored late, and it’s unfortunate, our first dropped points of the season,” Jepson said. “I can’t wait for the next game. Hopefully, we can get the three points. We just gotta bring it from the start of the game and finish strong.”
UP NEXT: The Menace is at home for Friday-Saturday doubleheaders the next three weekends. On June 29, the Menace gets another shot at Kaw Valley; the next day, the team hosts Union Dubuque FC.
MAN of the MATCH: Audi Jepson, for his fourth goal of the season. Jepson is a recent grad of Wisconsin-Green Bay, in his hometown.
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