LAWRENCE, Kan. – Friday, June 1, 2018 – Another brace for Kino Ryosuke, another win for his team.

The Des Moines Menace defeated Premier Development League newcomer Kaw Valley FC, 2-1, tonight at Rock Chalk Park. And, for the third time in three outings this season, Ryosuke scored two goals in a Menace victory.

Ryosuke, the current PDL Player of the Week, spotted the visitors a two-goal lead tonight. His sixth goal of the season came in the 45th minute, helping send the Menace into halftime with a cushion.

A familiar face helped Kaw Valley cut the lead in half in the 55th minute. Tucker Stephenson – a member of the 2017 Menace – scorched his former team with his fourth goal of the season.

The Cranes (2-2-1) had their chances to end this inaugural meeting in a tie. They pushed and pushed in the closing minutes, but goalkeeper Carlos Mercado and the Menace held firm to withstand a drawn-out second-half stoppage time.

These teams will have two more meetings this season. Kaw Valley visits Valley Stadium on June 23 and 29.

UP NEXT: The Menace rolls on for another road match tomorrow. On a quick turnaround, Des Moines rematches the St. Louis Lions at 5 p.m., one week after leaving St. Peters, Mo., with a 4-1 win.

The Menace’s next home action comes June 15-16. Des Moines hosts Nebraska Bugeaters FC on Fireworks Friday and the arch-rival Chill the following night.

MAN of the MATCH: Kino Ryosuke, for the third time in the Menace’s 3-0-0 start to the season. Ryosuke transfers to Louisville after graduating from Marshalltown Community College this spring.

FOOTNOTES

• Kaw Valley FC is a developmental partner with Sporting Kansas City.
• The Menace and KVFC entered this match in the No. 3 and 4 spots on the PDL Central Conference Power Rankings, behind No. 1 Lansing and No. 2 Dayton.
• Kaw Valley head coach Istvan Urbanyi played for the Menace in 2001, helping the team reach the PDL Final Four.
• Goalkeeper Carlos Mercado earned the win in his Menace debut.

 
Match: Des Moines Menace at Kaw Valley FC

Date: Friday, June 1, 2018
Competition: Premier Development League regular season
Venue: Rock Chalk Park (grass field) in Lawrence, Kan.
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m CDT
Weather: 90s and sunny

Scoreline                    1    2     F
MENACE                      2   0   2
KVFC                           0   1     1