As 2009 comes to an end, it seems logical to relive the last ten years of Menace Soccer. Many events and experiences have shaped the Menace organization over the last ten years, including six playoff appearances, four appearances in the U.S. Open Cup, three different stadiums and one PDL National Championship. Over the last 10 seasons, the Menace has amassed a record of 108-43-19.
We start in the year 2000, where the Menace looked to build momentum after breaking the Premier Development League’s regular-season attendance record in 1999.
2000
Record: 10-8-0
Division Finish: 3rd
Head Coach: Al Driscoll
Stadium: Hoover
Coaching in his third and final season with the Menace, Al Driscoll led the team to a third place finish in the division, resulting in the second straight year the team missed the playoffs. Despite missing the playoffs, the fans continued their overwhelming support as the Menace broke the PDL’s regular-season attendance record for the second straight year and was awarded with the PDL Marketing Excellence Award.
2001
Record: 11-7-2
Division Finish: 2nd
Head Coach: Laurie Calloway
Stadium: Hoover
In Laurie Calloway’s inaugural season, the team won 11 games, finishing second in the division and reaching the playoffs for the first time since 1998. The team also set a new franchise record with 35 total points, which would be broken in 2002.
2002
Record: 15-0-3
Division Finish: 1st
Head Coach: Laurie Calloway
Stadium: Hoover
Although 2002 didn’t end with a national championship, it was one of the most successful seasons in Menace history. The team set a new record for wins (15), total points (48), and finished the regular season undefeated for the first and only time in franchise history. The Menace received the honor of hosting the Central Conference playoffs where they lost in the semi-finals to the Michigan Bucks 3-1. The team also competed in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup for the first time advancing to the second round. After leading the team to an undefeated season Laurie Calloway was selected as the PDL Coach of the Year. First year player Tomas Boltnar was also selected as Rookie of the Year and the PDL’s Most Valuable Player. Boltnar lead the league in scoring, assists, and total points.
2003
Record: 12-5-1
Division Finish: 2nd
Head Coach: Greg Peterson
Stadium: Hoover
For the second straight year the Menace advanced to the conference semifinals after finishing second place in the Heartland Division. Tomas Boltnar lead the league in scoring for the second straight season and captured consecutive PDL MVP awards. The Menace also qualified for the U.S. Open Cup for the second year in a row.
2004
Record: 12-6-0
Division Finish: 3rd
Head Coach: Mark Grune
Stadium: Hoover
The Menace failed to reach the playoffs after three straight appearances from 2001 to 2003. The Menace hosted the Morelias Monarcs and Juventus Primavera for exhibition matches in the team’s final season at Hoover Stadium. The club also hosted 15-year old phenom Freddy Adu, attracting thousands of fans to Des Moines.
2005
Record: 12-3-1
Division Finish: 2nd
Head Coach: Casey Mann
Stadium: Waukee
In Casey Mann’s first year as head coach and the team’s first playing at Waukee Stadium, the Menace won their first and only PDL National Championship. The team also experienced their best finish in the U.S. Open Cup by advancing to the fourth round, losing to the Kansas City Wizards of the MLS. Tomas Boltnar had another successful season with the Menace, earning First Team All-Conference and All-PDL honors.
2006
Record: 10-4-2
Division Finish: 2nd
Head Coach: Casey Mann
Stadium: Waukee
After winning the PDL National Championship in 2005, the Menace was ousted in the first round of the playoffs in 2006. The team had another successful showing in the U.S. Open Cup, advancing to the third round, where the Kansas City Wizards eliminated the Menace for the second year in a row. The Menace has not reached the U.S. Open Cup since 2006. Tomas Boltnar was selected once again to the First Team All-Conference and All-PDL teams while Danilo Oliveira was selected to the All-Conference Team for the first time. The organization was awarded the PDL Marketing Excellence Award for the second time in franchise history.
2007
Record: 8-5-1
Division Finish: 4th
Head Coach: Casey Mann
Stadium: Waukee
In the team’s final season at Waukee Stadium the Menace finished fourth in the Heartland Division and failed to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2004. Tomas Boltnar was selected to the First Team All-Conference.
2008
Record: 7-4-5
Division Finish: 3rd
Head Coach: Casey Mann
Stadium: Valley
The 2008 Menace squad finished third in the Heartland Division in the team’s first season playing at Valley Stadium. Joe Salem’s first season was a success as he was selected to the First Team All-Conference. Tomas Boltnar played in his last game for the Menace, finishing his career as the all-time leader in goals, assists, and points scored. The team finished with an all-time high five ties for the season.
2009
Record: 11-1-4
Division Finish: 1st
Head Coach: Casey Mann
Stadium: Valley
For the first time since 2002, the Menace won the regular season Heartland Division Championship. The team also went a full calendar year without losing a game, from July 4, 2008 to July 4, 2009. The Menace was selected as one of two hosts for the Premier Development League’s quarterfinals and semifinals. After advancing to the PDL’s elite eight, the Menace lost to the Cary Clarets 1-0 in the quarterfinals. In his final season with the Menace, Head Coach Casey Mann was selected as the PDL’s Coach of the Year. The Menace also received the PDL’s Organization of the Year award for the first time in the club’s 16 year history.
