Kansas City, MO - Contentious from start to finish, the first ever meeting between the Des Moines Menace and USL League Two newcomer, Sunflower State FC, came down to the final minutes.

Controlling the possession along the goal line while evading defenders, Sunflower State's Cooper Forcellini crossed to Edgar Barzan. The Overland Park, Kansas native grazed the ball past Menace keeper, Enzo Carvalho (Florianopolis, Brazil), to give the home side a 1-0 advantage in the 78th minute. 

An urgent, Menace response in the ensuing minutes produced the equalizer. Navigating in the near channel, Des Moines' Yoshi Okawa (M | Tokyo, Japan) landed a perfect cross from the corner to the center of the box, where team captain Luke Husakiwsky (M | Davidson, NC) swept the ball through for his third goal of the season. And for Okawa, it was his third assist on the young campaign. 

Playing past the 90th minute, Sunflower State FC would catch the Menace off guard and hit the eventual match winner. A band of yellow kits, paced by Immanuel Wayoro, swarmed the center of Des Moines' defending third. Wayoro found a crease in the back line and snuck a ball through to give Sunflower State FC the 2-1 result.

Menace Marks

Metronet Man of the Match: Andrew Shaffer (M | Columbus, OH)

Goals: 82’ (Husakiwsky)

Assists: 82' (Okawa)

Up Next 

The Menace (2-1-0) collide with Sunflower State FC (1-2-0) on its home pitch this Saturday, May 31. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:00 pm. Arrive at the game early as the first 500 fans will receive a free Menace water bottle presented by Delta Dental of Iowa!

Theme Night: Mental Health Awareness Night Benefitting NAMI Iowa

MENaste: Kick-off Match Day with Pose at the Pitch! The Menace have partnered with Power Life Yoga and lululemon Jordan Creek to provide a FREE community yoga event on the field at Valley Stadium. Registration also includes a complimentary ticket to the match that evening.

Menace’s Best Friend: We’ll be wagging our tails for the third annual Paws at the Pitch presented by the Animal Rescue League of Iowa and Local5. The first 100 pups that stroll through Valley Stadium will receive a free scarf! Proceeds from each ticket sold will go directly back to the ARL.