FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Des Moines Menace Assemble Star-Studded Roster for U.S. Open Cup Run

 

DES MOINES, Iowa (March 10, 2025) – The Des Moines Menace, a pre-professional club competing in USL League Two, are set to make waves in this year’s Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious soccer tournament. The Menace will face Sporting KC II in a First Round matchup on Wednesday, March 19, in Kansas City—but this is no ordinary opening-round game. The Menace have assembled an unprecedented roster of former MLS stars, Olympians, and international standouts exclusively for the Open Cup, making this one of the most compelling stories in American soccer this spring.

 

A Roster Packed with Legends

Leading the charge is the return of Sacha Kljestan, a former U.S. international, Olympian, and MLS veteran, now an Apple TV MLS Analyst. Kljestan, who thrilled fans with his Menace debut in last year’s Open Cup, is back—this time joined by Benny Feilhaber, a Sporting KC Hall of Famer, MLS Cup winner (2013), and U.S. international. The duo will serve as co-captains.

 

“This is a historic moment for our club, for Iowa, and for the U.S. Open Cup,” said Kyle Davy, Business Director of the Des Moines Menace. “We’ve built a once-in-a-lifetime team that will capture the imagination of soccer fans nationwide.”

 

The star-studded roster also includes:

• Bradley Wright-Phillips – Two-time MLS Golden Boot winner, MLS Best XI (2014, 2016), and Apple TV MLS Analyst.
• Dax McCarty – MLS Best XI (2015), MLS All-Star, Concacaf Gold Cup champion, 13 caps for USMNT.
• Matt Hedges – MLS Defender of the Year (2016), 3-time MLS All-Star, NCAA National Champion.
• Ozzie Alonso – Four-time U.S. Open Cup champion, MLS Best XI (2012), MLS Cup champion (2016).
• AJ DeLaGarza – Three-time MLS Cup champion, U.S. Open Cup champion (2018).
• Victor Ulloa – U.S. Open Cup champion (2016), MLS Supporters’ Shield winner.
• Justin Meram – U.S. Open Cup and Campeones Cup champion, 36 caps for the Iraq National Team.
• Mikey Ambrose – Former U.S. Youth National Team player, six seasons in MLS.

 

A Matchup Full of Storylines

One of the tournament’s most intriguing off-field storylines is Feilhaber’s return to Kansas City. A Sporting KC Hall of Famer and former coach, Feilhaber now finds himself playing against his former club’s second team in Kansas City, adding another layer of drama to an already compelling matchup.

“We’re here to win,” said Feilhaber. “The goal is to make a deep run, and everyone is coming in with a team-first mentality. Playing SKC II in Kansas City makes it even better.”

 

How to Support the Menace

The Menace kick off their U.S. Open Cup journey on Wednesday, March 19 at 6:30 PM against Sporting KC II, in Kansas City. Fans can support the team by attending the match in Kansas City or joining a local watch party at Big Grove Brewery in Des Moines.

 

Menace Open Cup Player Jerseys & T-Shirts

The Menace have also partnered with their kit provider, Olive & York, to produce authentic custom Open Cup Edition Jerseys with player names and numbers on them, along with custom graphic tee’s, giving fans the chance to wear their favorite former MLS player’s name, image, and likeness in Menace colors.  A full lineup of Open Cup edition merchandise can be found on the team’s online shop.

 

What’s Next? A Potential Home Match in Iowa

If the Menace advance, they could host a Second Round match in early April at Valley Stadium in West Des Moines, Iowa. This could be one of the biggest soccer events in Iowa this year, drawing national attention and possibly attracting even more high-profile players to join the squad.

 

Media Availability

Media members are invited to connect with Menace leadership and players ahead of this historic matchup. To request an interview or press credentials, please contact:

Kyle Davy

Business Director

Des Moines Menace

1459 Grand Ave, Des Moines, Iowa 50309

Phone: 515-650-0648

Email: kyle.davy@proiowa.com

 

About the Des Moines Menace

Founded in 1994, the Des Moines Menace is one of the most successful pre-professional soccer clubs in the United States. A two-time national champion in USL League Two, the Menace have a rich history of player development, competitive success, and community engagement, making them a pillar of soccer in the Midwest.

 

Stay Connected

Follow the Menace on social media for the latest updates:

Website: www.menacesoccer.com

Online Team Store: https://des-moines-menace.square.site/

Twitter: @MenaceSoccer94

Instagram: @MenaceSoccer94

 

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