Not only does John Sosa assist on the field, but off the field as well. This week’s video features Sosa’s helping hand.

John Sosa jokingly proclaims himself “Mr. Assist.”

It’s a nickname well-earned. After playing in only two matches, the Menace’s central midfielder leads the Premier Development League with six assists – including a club-record four in Saturday’s 5-2 home win over St. Louis.

With his infectious energy and skillful playmaking, Sosa has made his mark as the maestro of the squad.

“My role on the team is being a leader,” said Sosa. “I’m the type of leader to the players to get them to pursue to work hard. I’m the organizer on the team. I lay the ball on the ground to make the team work.”

He contributes his on-the-field success to technique and hard work, but he feels his teammates are the most important factor.

“We’re a close squad and I think we’re good enough to make it far this year,” Sosa said. “We have a great squad. I feel that we have strong players in every position – keeper, defense, mid and centers. It’s just a good team, period.”

Sosa’s selflessness, both on and off the field, has been engrained in him since the beginning of his soccer career.

“Soccer is pretty much my whole life. Coming from Colombia, soccer is the primary sport there and I’ve been playing it since I was five. It’s how I got to college, on a scholarship, and how I’m here. Playing professional has been a goal of mine since I was little,” noted Sosa.

The UMKC product could potentially have the opportunity to play against professionals in the Lamar Hunt U. S. Open Cup. A win tonight over Kansas City would give Des Moines the Heartland Division’s berth and give Sosa the shot at achieving his dream.

“The Open Cup is serious,” said Sosa. “It gives us as PDL players a chance to get closer at the next level and see how far we can get. It’s a challenge for us.”

Hometown: St. Cloud, Fla., by way of Colombia

College: University of Missouri-Kansas City

Position: Center midfielder

Pre-game ritual: Pray

Favorite team: Barcelona

Favorite thing about Des Moines: I like the people here.

Favorite food: Colombian food

Menace interns Jenae Jenison and BJ Stokesbary provide fans with a player spotlight video and story each week.