ST. PETERS, Mo. – Saturday, June 2, 2018 – Once again, the Des Moines Menace took a two-goal lead into halftime. And, once again, the Menace finished on top.

Keeping its perfect mark intact, the Menace defeated the St. Louis Lions 2-0 today.

Audi Jepson and Brandon Fricke provided the goals in this Premier Development League match, and for the third-straight game, the Menace (4-0-0) held a 2-0 lead at the half.

This win comes a day after Des Moines’ 2-1 victory over Kaw Valley FC (in Lawrence, Kan.) and a week after a 4-1 road victory on the Lions’ home field at Tony Glavin Soccer Complex. Inclement weather moved today’s rematch from that grass field to the turf surface at Lutheran High School of St. Charles County.

“It was great to get the win today and most importantly leave this business trip with six points,” Jepson said. “Credit to Kaw Valley and St. Louis for not making it easy, as we had to battle. We’ve put ourselves in a position where we want to be, and that’s on top of the (Heartland Division) table.”

Aggressive play by Jepson led to his first Menace goal. With the Menace pressing in the 18th minute, St. Louis goalkeeper Casey Clark took a bad first touch, and Jepson was there to pick the ‘keeper’s pocket for an opportunistic chip goal.

Fricke, in his seventh season as a Menace defensive staple, headed in a free kick from Nico Clasen in the 37th minute. That opportunity was created after Rashid Alarape was fouled on a run-un on the right side.

“I am proud of the collective effort of the team, as well as the contribution of all 22 players on this trip,” Menace head coach Alen Marcina said. “The team was very organized defensively, committed to transiting moments and ruthless in attack.

“We will turn our attention our next opponent and make sure we are meticulous and methodical in our planning and preparation.”