Des Moines, Iowa. – On the third edition of the Des Moines Derby, Menace handled business in a 5-1 victory over Des Moines United FC at Valley Stadium.  

On Saturday night, a fine crowd cheered as Dean Johnson’s squad took full control of the game. The team is coming back from a devastating regular season loss, but the level of quality and professionalism from the side continues to show; a level of expectation that will not sway.  

Des Moines United FC played a strong game; the team played a league match the night prior. A performance reliant on momentum, as several players had their first appearance this season. Owner Darwin Salas is content with the success of the team so far in the National Premier Soccer League, currently leading the Gateway Conference.  

 

Summary  

Diego Konincks and Adrien Gameiro connected plenty for Menace in the first half.  

At the 5th minute, Chris Nanco began to make a presence on the right wing, parallel to Haruki Yamazaki down on the left side, who earned Man of The Match Honors after his performance.  

United attempted to work the counter through Alvin Shivere, but little to no workspace was granted.  

Right inside the 8th, Tyrese Spicer set up Nanco with a brilliant through ball, which he settled past the keeper with his right foot for 1-0.  

Menace lived in the opposition’s half, shifting and turning around the box trying to find a ball for goal.  

Jayce Berger would try to sway United into the attack, as he matched up on the right wing against Yamazaki and Alberto Suarez, back on the lineup after being unable to join the team on the trip to Chicago.  

Cyrus Harmon, entering as a substitute, found a channel for Nanco who delivered a low ball into the speeding Gameiro to up the score.  

A strong finish in the 43rd minute, poking the ball in time to beat Kevin Qi.  

Moving toward the second half, Menace prepared a brand-new unit, including several debutants and other familiar faces such as that of Leroy Enzugusi, whose name came up plenty in the half. 

Some new features included Stephen Fikula, Craig McCall, Lalas Ayertey and Michael McFarlane. 

For United, several starters made an appearance and brought new life to the team.  

Rayane El Mehdi would replace Qi in goal, and the Japanese duo of Ryuga Uchigashima and Sora Noda quickly entered to cause trouble in the midfield and behind the lines of the Menace.  

In the 48th minute, Noda entered the attacking zone blasting a shot past Troutman, but Fikula saved the ball off the line.  

In the 60th, Luka Nedic sliced a ball onto McFarlane whose effort was deflected for a corner.  

De Leon whipped a ball for Harmon, a deflection that landed on the feet of Enzugusi for his first of the night.  

Lucas Malaguez kept Troutman steady, testing him with a shot on goal forcing a brilliant save. 

Moments later on the 66th, Kori Cupid cut inside on his weaker right foot, but found a diagonal by Harmon that led him on to scoring for 4-0, beating Rayanne El Mehdi on goal.  

Lastly, in the 87th minute, Spicer who returned to the game found a running Enzugusi who squared up the goalkeeper and delivered the finish with poise.  

Enzugusi got his second of the match, sealing the deal for Meance. 

But United would find a consolation goal. A late challenge from Jesse Williams brought down Kais Sabic in the box in stoppage time.  

Eloge Iradukunda took a breath and nailed it top right to steal a clean sheet from Ryan Troutman.  

A comfortable 5-1 victory for Menace, who were hungry for the win after a tie in last year's derby.  

 

Scoring Summary 

8’ - Chris Nanco, assisted by Tyrese Spicer (Menace) 

43’ - Adrien Gameiro, assisted by Chris Nanco (Menace) 

60’ - Lerpy Enzugusi, assisted by Cyrus Harmon (Menace) 

66’ -  Cyrus Harmon, assisted by Kori Cupid (Menace) 

87’ - Lerpy Enzugusi, assisted by Tyrese Spicer (Menace) 

‘93 - Eloge Iradukunda, Penalty (United)  

 

What’s Next? 

Des Moines Menace will prepare for a massive game against Springfield ASC on June 10th from Valley Stadium. 

Des Moines United FC will travel to Milwaukee and face Torrent on June 7th at Hart Park, seeking a win after a 1-1 tie on Friday.   

 

Starting XI (Des Moines Menace) 

Joey Batrouni (goalkeepeer); Diego Konincks, Alberto Suarez, Nico Torres-Masafierro (defenders); Haruki Yamazaki, Adrien Gameiro, Vicente Valor, Michel Secades, Tristan Goodridge (midfielders); Tyrese Spicer, Chris Nanco (forwards) 

Second Half: Ryan Troutman (goalkeeper); Jesse Williams, Stephen Fikula, Henry Sach (defenders); Lalas Ayertey; Kori Cupid, Michael McFarlane, Luka Nedic, Craig McCall, Curtis De Leon (midfielders); Cyrus Harmon, Leroy Enzugusi (forwards) 

 

Starting XI (Des Moines United FC) 

Kevin Qi, Rapha Nascimiento, Baraka Matthew, Alvin Shivere, Austin Sexton, Thierry Wanla, Lucas Malaguez, Jayce Berger, Andre Lopes, Alessandro Venditti, Kais Sabic. 

Substitutes: Ryuga Uchigashima, Gabriel Uemura, Othmane Chagour, Pedro Gomes, Jose Ortiz, Arvin Garcia.