Des Moines Menace Defeat Sporting KC II, Advance to Second Round of U.S. Open Cup

DES MOINES, Iowa (March 24, 2025) – The Des Moines Menace, a pre-professional club competing in USL League Two, defeated Sporting KC II, 2-1, behind two penalty kicks from team captain Sacha Kljestan on Wednesday evening in Kansas City.

“The wind and the elements were unbearable. We had to fight through the first half. Give the young Sporting KC boys some credit,” said Kljestan. “We were able to create better moments in the final third in the second half. Bradley and Benny did a really good job drawing that first penalty. I stepped up, and not going to lie, I was nervous.”

Kljestan confidently buried the penalty kick, as well as one more, securing the Menace's victory. He celebrated with a dance inspired by the band The Talking Heads. “We’ve been doing this dance in the studio (MLS On Air) as a joke, and it seemed like the right thing to do to celebrate,” he said.

As the final whistle blew, the broadcast echoed the phrase, “Father Time is defeated,” as the Menace headed to the locker room, eagerly awaiting their Second Round matchup.

Menace to Host Union Omaha in Second Round Rematch on April 2nd

The Menace have been selected to host the Second Round and will face defending USL League One champions Union Omaha at Valley Stadium in West Des Moines, Iowa, on Wednesday, April 2nd at 7:30 PM CST.

The match marks a rematch of last year’s Second Round, where Union Omaha eliminated the Menace.

“We are playing at home at the Valley. I think we are going to pack that stadium out,” said Kljestan. “We play against Union Omaha, the same team that beat us last season in the Open Cup. We’ve got revenge on our minds.”

“The Menace could not be more excited for an opportunity to host the Second Round at our home stadium. Bringing former MLS All-Stars and Olympians to play for our club in front of our fans and supporters is a dream come true,” said Menace Business Director Kyle Davy.

Typically, Iowans must travel out of state to watch elite talent like Sporting KC legend Benny Feilhaber and Seattle Sounders’ icon, the Honey Badger, Ozzie Alonso. This time, fans can witness the action right in their backyard.

Ticket Information

Tickets go on sale to the general public on Tuesday, March 25th at 12 PM CST. Current Menace season members already have access to an exclusive discounted presale. Ticketing details will be made available at www.MenaceSoccer.com.

“One more game with all these guys is the goal. Just take it one game at a time,” said Menace forward Bradley Wright-Phillips, a two-time MLS Golden Boot winner with the New York Red Bulls.

Watch and Shop

Fans unable to attend the match in Des Moines can watch live on U.S. Soccer’s YouTube channel. Additionally, replica player jerseys and graphic tees featuring Menace Open Cup players are currently available for purchase at the Menace Team Shop.

Media Availability

Media members are invited to connect with Menace leadership and players ahead of this historic home matchup. The Menace will host a media session at Valley Stadium prior to the match.  More details are available upon request.

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 USL League Two national champion, the Menace boasts 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 for the latest updates:
Website: www.MenaceSoccer.com
Online Team Store: Des Moines Menace Shop
Twitter: @MenaceSoccer94
Instagram: @MenaceSoccer94

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