Aurora, Ill. – Des Moines takes yet another step ahead in the Heartland Division, defeating Chicago Dutch Lions FC 5-0 at Spartan Athletic Park. 

A victory was fueled by the upward presence of several debutants, including man of the match Michel Secades, and well-timed substitutions. Dutch Lions did not have a response to the outburst. The Menace backline and goalkeeper Joey Batrouni were not densely tested on the night.  

Summary  

Nico Torres worked the right flank for the Menace, almost opening the score early with a deadly cross in the opening minutes.  

The aggressive start by Des Moines continued, as Tyrese Spicer guided a ball near Lagos Kunga but goalkeeper Danny Salazar was there first.  

Kunga, now back in the line-up, forced a shot in the 15th minute teasing for goal, keeping Salazar on his feet as he punched the ball for a corner; Vicente Valor captured the rebound after the service, but his shot went wide.  

Moments later, Eliot Goldthorp had a chance on goal, but his shot was saved point blank.  

The Dutch Lions longed for a chance on the counter with little room to work with out of the midfield.  

In the 23rd minutes, Yanis Lelin made arrival on the left side searching for a Spicer tap-in but fortune yet for Des Moines. 

Chances were coming along for the visitors; At the 39th Eliot Goldthorp lunged a dangerous volley with intention for goal, but it skied over the crossbar.  

Minutes later, Michel Secades received a ball from Kunga inside the box which he blasted into the net giving Menace the first half lead.  

Quickly in the second, at the 50th minute Spicer paced toward the Dutch Lions box landing a low shot into the post.  

Soon after in the 52nd, Secades found Goldthorp, who struck one brilliantly from the half-moon beating Salazar and giving Menace a 2-0 lead. 

Kunga and Nico Torres would exit the game for Luka Nedic and Tyler Moss, strengthening the Midfield as Goldthorp joined Spicer at the striker position.  

Dutch Lions made substitutions of themselves at the striker and wingback position trying to create attacking moments.  

 Nonetheless, a missed pass by Salazar on the 64th minute landed on Goldthorp’s lane, who punished instantly for his second goal.  

Goldthorp then exited the match; Dean Johnson would bring in a fresh attacking unit in Chris Nanco, Tristan Goodridge and Leroy Enzugusi.  

In the 75th, Goodridge slid through the lines and delivered a ball for the incoming Moss, who slotted the goal with confidence for 4-0. 

On the 78th, a set piece by the home side brought trouble for Des Moines in the box, but not enough to provoke a scare for Batrouni. 

To seal the victory, Goodridge would get himself a goal in the 85th minute from a pass by Nanco; weaving around a defender and placing his shot on the side-netting.  

A strong display from Des Moines on the road, who now move to 4-0 on the regular season as they continue to road trip in Chicago.  

Scoring Summary 

40' – Michel Secades, assisted by Lagos Kunga 

52' – Eliot Goldthorp, assisted by Michel Secades 

64' – Eliot Goldthorp 

75' – Tyler Moss, assisted by Tristan Goodridge 

85' - Tristan Goodridge, assisted by Chris Nanco

What’s Next? 

Des Moines Menace will face Chicago City FC on Sunday, May 28th  from Lions for Hope Sports Complex. Kick-off at 7:00 PM CT.  

Chicago Dutch Lions FC will travel to St. Charles on Wednesday, May 31st. Still in search of their first win.  

Starting XI (Des Moines Menace) 

Joey Batrouni (goalkeeper); Diego Konnicks, Kori Cupid, Jesse Williams (defenders); Nico Torres-Masafierro, Vicente Valor, Michel Secades, Yanis Lelin, Eliot Goldthorp (midfielders); Lagos Kunga, Tyrese Spicer (forwards).  

Substitutes: Ryan Troutman, Luka Nedic, Tristan Goodridge, Audi Jepson, Leroy Enzugusi, Chris Nanco, Tyler Moss.