Iowa is known for corn, caucuses, and Caitlyn Clark, but on Wednesday, the American soccer spotlight will surprisingly be on Des Moines as Menace faces Union Omaha in the U.S. Open Cup Second Round. Typically, a second-round Open Cup match wouldn`t attract much attention. However, the Menace are generating buzz by recruiting a remarkable roster of retired American and Major League Soccer stars. This gives them significant name recognition and potentially a deeper run in the competition against higher-level clubs.
Des Moines Menace midfielder and former USMNT player Benny Feilhaber commented, `I believe we are the underdogs every match. With an average age over 35, we are definitely underdogs, essentially amateurs again. This isn`t our full-time job anymore, so there`s more pressure on the opposing team than on us. We`re aiming to win, but also to enjoy playing together again with former teammates in front of our families.`
Remember Some Guys FC
USL League Two teams usually compete between May and July, primarily using NCAA soccer players. After qualifying for the U.S. Open Cup, the Menace had to quickly assemble a team. This led to the recruitment of veteran players. Led by former U.S. international Sacha Kljestan, currently an MLS broadcaster, the Menace have become a team reminiscent of a `Remember some guys FC`. Featuring players like Dax McCarty, A.J. DeLaGarza, Benny Feilhaber, and Bradley Wright-Phillips, the team boasts considerable international and top-tier experience. Most of these players are between 35 and 40 years old and are balancing their everyday jobs with Open Cup games.
This situation highlights the unique charm of the competition, where team compositions vary greatly, and the stories behind them are often compelling. Amateur players like Leroy Enzugusi, Kyle Owen, and Enzo Carvalho remain part of the squad, but this will only be the second game this particular group has played together.
Feilhaber noted the challenge of limited preparation time, stating, `[Lack of prep time between games] is a major factor, perhaps even more than age and fitness. Teamwork requires training together. For our first game, we had a light session a few days prior with about half the team, and the full roster only met the day before. This time, we`ll only have one training session… and maybe a walk-through for tactics on game day. As a former player and coach, I understand the immense value of team time, so this is our biggest hurdle. We`re essentially figuring things out as we go.`
The Menace are coming off a victory against Sporting Kansas City II in the first round. Feilhaber acknowledged this win will help them refine their setup for the upcoming match, but the lack of training remains a significant challenge. However, this unfamiliarity is mutual, as Union Omaha also has limited information to prepare their strategy.
Union Omaha head coach Dominic Casiato explained, `Planning for a team that doesn`t play together often is tricky. However, our game plan always focuses on maximizing our own performance while understanding the opponent`s potential threats and weaknesses. Des Moines` single game together isn`t much to analyze, and they might add more players for this match. Therefore, concentrating on our own top-level play is the best approach.`
Union Omaha, who play together weekly, will have a more structured plan. They are also entering the match with momentum from two recent wins.
Notable Des Moines Menace players
| Name | Nationality |
|---|---|
| Bradley Wright Phillips | England |
| Sacha Kljestan | United States |
| Dax McCarty | United States |
| Osvaldo Alonso | Cuba |
| Benny Feilhaber | United States |
| Justin Meram | Iraq |
| Victor Ulloa | Mexico |
| Matt Hedges | United States |
| A.J. DeLaGarza | United States |
Omaha is a USL team on the rise
Union Omaha has a strong history in the Open Cup, including a win against the Menace with similar veteran players last season. They are familiar with Open Cup success, having defeated two MLS teams during their 2022 run. Now, under Casiato, they are building a sustainable team and translating that Open Cup success into strong league performance. Union Omaha is determined and won`t underestimate any opponent. Their championship experience fuels their desire for more titles and proves their winning formula in important matches.
Casiato remarked, `Winning a championship together – our third title in two seasons after consecutive regular-season titles in 2023 and 2024 – gives the team confidence in their ability to succeed in big games. Consistent winning, year after year, despite player changes, builds belief that we can find a way to win, regardless of circumstances, competition, or opponent.`
This consistent success highlights the strength of Nebraska soccer. Despite coaching changes, winning remains the standard. They will be the away team on Wednesday, April 2nd, but their recent win will boost their confidence against the experienced Menace. There`s also a connection through Feilhaber`s preseason coaching experience against Casiato when managing SKC II, demonstrating the interconnectedness of the soccer world.
Even within the evolving Open Cup landscape, Feilhaber appreciates playing in front of his family, something his children rarely experienced during his professional career. Casiato will test his team against seasoned professionals who have proven themselves in knockout competitions.
Feilhaber compared the Open Cup to `our own version of March Madness, but each round you face a higher-level team. We played an MLS Next Pro team, now a UCL League One team, and potentially a USL Championship team next, and maybe even an MLS team after that. It`s like a dream run, and we`ll go as far as we can.`
Both teams share this ambition as they head into Wednesday`s match, but only one will advance to the third round.
How to Watch Des Moines Menace vs. Union Omaha
- Date: Wednesday, April 2
- Location: Valley Stadium — West Des Moines, Iowa
- Live stream: YouTube
- Odds: Des Moines Menace +300; Draw +280; Union Omaha -140
