In 20 seasons and counting, the Des Moines Menace, a Mahaska sponsored team, has established itself as one of the country’s elite amateur soccer clubs, as they provide the highest level of soccer in Iowa. The Menace teams play their home matches in a fun, family-friendly environment at Valley Stadium in West Des Moines. The organization promotes a healthy lifestyle through its popular youth programs, including the Menace Academy (select soccer for ages 9-19), camps, clinics, Junior Menace and tournaments.
The Menace’s women’s team, which began in 2012, played in the 2013 Women’s Premier Soccer League playoffs after debuting as the Women’s League Soccer 2012 champions. In 2013, the Menace women joined the Women’s Premier Soccer League as part of the WPSL’s Midwest-Central Division, with more than 70 amateur teams across the United States. The women’s team closed out their season with two wins on July 11th and July 12th, this past weekend.
The Menace men’s team competes in the 64-team United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League (PDL), as a part of the Heartland Division of the PDL’s Central Conference. The team competes against others from Chicago, St. Louis, Springfield (Mo.) and even internationally against Canadian cities: Winnipeg, Manitoba, and Thunder Bay, Ontario.
The picture above shows the 2014 team. In its 20+ seasons, the men’s team has made 12 appearances in the PDL playoffs and nine in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. This season, they currently hold first place, with their win this past weekend on July 11th against the St. Louis Lions. Their record is now 8-2-1, as the team inches closer to Playoffs with their next two games on July 17th and 18th at home in Valley Stadium.
Above is a picture from when the players spent their day off on June 23rd, with Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity, building a house in the community. The team’s dedication to its community makes it a great partner for Mahaska.
Go Menace!
