Lebogang Moloto, who has scored the game-winning goal in each of the Des Moines Menace’s last two matches, has been named to the Premier Development League’s Team of the Week. The United Soccer Leagues made the announcement yesterday.
The midfielder from South Africa – also known as “Tsunami” – emerged as the hero last week in a pair of 2-1 wins over Kansas City and St. Louis that kept the Menace in the running for a berth in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
Moloto’s first goal of the season came in a May 19 match at Kansas City. In the 50th minute, he sliced through two defenders and finished inside the far post.
On Saturday against rival St. Louis at Valley Stadium, Moloto put the Menace up for good in the 55th minute, just two minutes after Logan McDaniel knotted the match. Stephen Okai set up Moloto, who used his speed to get past a charging goalkeeper and lift the Menace (3-1-0) to its first home win.
Moloto is tied with Clark Bradford for the team lead in goals (two) and points (four). He is the first Menace player named to the league’s Team of the Week since current teammate Jack Pearson received the honor in July 2009. Another active player, Armin Mujdzic, earned PDL Player of the Week last June.
Moloto, a former member of South Africa’s U17 national team, led Lindsey Wilson College (Ky.) to the 2009 NAIA national championship. He was named the national tournament’s Most Outstanding Offensive Player. The sophomore-to-be was also named to the NAIA all-America first team.
Link to the USL's announcement.
COMING UP: The Menace hosts the Kansas City Brass on Saturday at Valley Stadium. Game time is 7:30 p.m.The Menace will give away koozies to the first 500 fans on Saturday, presented by the Sheraton West Des Moines.
