In a slow-paced match, the Des Moines Menace overcame the Iowa Champions League All-Stars, 4-0. The game saw the Menace dominate with long spells of possession, their only real threat being a lack of composure in front of the ICL goal. This match also saw the return of former General Manager, Charlie Bales, dressing for the ICL All-Stars.

The first chance for the Menace came in the 8th minute when Jackson Kirsch beat his defender and cut into the ICL box, squaring it for Ezekiel Padilla, whose first-time finish was denied by the woodwork.

The next chance of the game was converted well by Konstantinos Georgallides, whose well-timed run into the ICL box was found by Edrey Caceres with a precise chipped pass through two defenders. Georgallides controlled the ball on his chest, let it bounce, and struck it midair to wrap it around the ICL goalkeeper, Ronan Murphy.

The following ten minutes saw an onslaught of chances for the Menace, primarily from Padilla, with opportunities in the 33rd, 34th, and 35th minutes. The 35th minute also saw Padilla score a goal, which was quickly called back for offside. 

The drought was finally over in the 39th minute when a left-footed ball behind the ICL defense from Georgallides found Padilla, who took no chances, burying the ball in the top right corner.

The start of the second half saw the ICL All-Stars come out ready to apply pressure to the Menace high up the field, a tactical adjustment from the first half. Unfortunately for the ICL, the Menace broke through the press quickly. A quick turn and pass from Mason Tatafu found Caceres in a pocket of space, who wasted no time turning and putting Georgallides through on goal.

Georgallides took no chances, curling the ball around the keeper, rippling the side netting as the Menace went up 3-0, not even a minute into the second half.

The next bit of action came in the 54th minute when Murphy made two big saves, first to deny Padilla and then Caceres, keeping the score at 3-0.

Murphy came up big again in the 74th minute to deny yet another Caceres shot.

Murphy was lucky to be saved by the crossbar in the 75th minute as Georgallides’ shot was just too high, hitting the crossbar and going out for a goal kick.

In the 81st minute, Georgallides dribbled through three ICL defenders at the top of their box, only to be brought down by a fourth, earning a penalty. He generously gave the penalty to Caceres, who made no mistake from the spot, putting the Menace ahead 4-0.