https://youtu.be/Bc_UGoPoHIw

Driving 32 hours between Des Moines, Winnipeg and Thunder Bay gives us the perfect opportunity to see what happens when the Des Moines Menace hits the road.
 
Traveling 26 players and staff members across the Canada border and back is no easy task; this week’s spotlight features former Menace Academy player and now Menace PDL forward Husef Jupic’s perspective during the long journey north.

“Traveling is an opportunity to get closer together,” said Jupic. “(Traveling’s) really fun. The guys have bonded.”

Touring over 700 miles gives the team ample time to cause mischief and develop strong relationship with one another. The trip to Canada was highlighted by the food choices of defender Anthony Colaizzi, the musical voice of forward Jonny MacAdam and the Spanish reporting of goalkeeper Jhojan Obando

“It’s a 12-hour trip to Winnipeg, which can be annoying because you are on a bus, but fun at the same time. Usually you talk to all the guys, sleep as much as you can, put in a movie or lay down and listen to music,” mentioned Jupic.

The trek gave the team the opportunity to catch up on the latest flicks and watch game film on the bus’s television screens.

“One of our favorites is Gladiator. It’s an inspirational movie and is soccer related,” noted Jupic. “The main character shows courage and the willingness to overcome.”

The Menace takes motivation from gladiator Maximus into their next three matches as it plays at Winnipeg again tonight and then on to Thunder Bay on Friday and Saturday. This week may not be a battle for the Roman Empire, as per the Gladiator movie, but the Menace will fight to go 4-0 and contend to take over the Heartland Division’s top spot in from Real Colorado.

“It’s fun to play four games in five days. It’s a challenge because you always have to be ready to play,” said Jupic. “Something fans don’t know is our time and effort that we put in; we’re totally committed.”