Kansas City, KS – The Des Moines Menace (4-1) flipped the calendar into June with a road fixture in Kansas City, Kansas, and standing in their path were the Santafé Wanderers (0-4).

Earning a penalty in the 16th minute, Santafé’s Michael Lenis took advantage of the opportunity by piercing a shot in the center of the goal. Settling back in after conceding the opening points, the Menace built a quality attack inside the Wanderers 18-yard box. Dominick Bachstein (F | Malvern, PA) aggressively played the ball towards goal, with his shot deflecting off a defender and presenting a quick rebound and finish for Joshua Saavedra (M | Cali, Colombia) to equalize the score. Santafé took the advantage back minutes later on a well-orchestrated counter, with Michael Lenis escaping Des Moines’ back line and firing a shot past Menace keeper Ramy Atia (Des Plaines, IL).

Transitioning to the second half trailing 2-1, a chaotic final 15 minutes saw multiple swings of momentum. Coming off the bench, Mere Escobar (F | Austin, TX) provided instant energy. Receiving the ball inside the box near side, Escobar used his right foot to curl a ball in the upper right shelf for a clinical equalizer. Stranding the Wanderers once more within their box in the 81st minute, Paul Jones (D | Columbia, SC) cranked a vicious boot from the half-volley far post for his first goal of the season and giving the Menace its first lead of the match. Executing a set play off a throw-in from the near side, the Menace controlled the possession along Santafé’s goal line. Hovering around the six-yard box, Mere Escobar shuffled the ball towards a slashing Dominick Bachstein, who blistered a shot through for his third goal of the season. Despite allowing a Wanderer goal in the 85th minute, the Menace would walk away with a 4-3 result.

Menace Marks

Metronet Man of the Match: Mere Escobar (F | Austin, TX)

Goals: ’34 (Saavedra), 73’ (Escobar), ’81 (Jones), 84’ (Bachstein)

Assists: ’84 (Escobar)

Up Next

The Menace return to its home pitch on Saturday, June 7 and battle Springfield FC. Kick-off from Valley Stadium is slated for 7:00 pm. The match will be streamed on SportsEngine Play.

Community Kickback: United Against Racism Presented by BLK & Bold

Arrive early, as the first 500 fans through the gates at Valley Stadium receive a free commemorative scarf! During the match the Menace will sport custom designed theme jerseys. Fans will also be able to participate in a live jersey auction featuring player-worn and autographed theme jerseys benefitting the BLK & Bold Foundation.