Who are the Des Moines Menace? USMNT and MLS stars return for USL League Two side in U.S Open Cup second round

Iowa is known for corn, caucuses, and Caitlyn Clark, but this Wednesday, the American soccer spotlight will unexpectedly shine on the state as Des Moines Menace faces Union Omaha in the U.S. Open Cup Second Round. While usually a second-round Open Cup match is low-key, the Menace are generating buzz by recruiting a remarkable roster of retired American and MLS stars. This strategy brings significant name recognition and potentially a deeper tournament run against top-tier teams.

`We`re always the underdogs,` stated Benny Feilhaber, Des Moines Menace midfielder and former USMNT player. `With an average age over 35, we`re definitely underdogs against amateur teams now that soccer isn`t our full-time job. The pressure is on our opponents. We`re here 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 typically play league matches from May to July, relying heavily on NCAA soccer players. Qualifying for the U.S. Open Cup created a need to quickly assemble a team. Enter the veterans. Spearheaded by Sacha Kljestan, former U.S. international and current MLS broadcaster, the Menace have become a real-life version of a `Remember some guys FC`. The team boasts players like Dax McCarty, A.J. DeLaGarza, Benny Feilhaber, and Bradley Wright-Phillips, bringing a wealth of international and top-level experience. Most of these players, aged 35-40, are balancing day jobs with their Open Cup participation.

This situation highlights the magic of the U.S. Open Cup – diverse team compositions and unique backstories. While amateur players like Leroy Enzugusi, Kyle Owen, and Enzo Carvalho remain involved, this will only be the second game this revamped squad plays together.

`Lack of preparation time is a major challenge, even more than age and fitness,` Feilhaber explained. `It’s a team sport, and we don`t train together regularly. Before our first game, we had a light session with about half the roster a few days prior, and the full team only met the day before. This time, we`ll only have one training session and maybe a walk-through on game day for tactics. As a former player and coach, I understand the immense value of team time. We`re essentially figuring it out as we go.`

The Menace are building on their first-round victory against Sporting Kansas City II. Feilhaber acknowledges this game provides a basis for squad setup, but the lack of training remains a significant hurdle. However, Union Omaha also faces uncertainty in their preparation due to the Menace`s unusual team structure.

`Planning for a team that rarely plays together is tricky,` admitted Union Omaha head coach Dominic Casiato. `But our game plan always focuses on our best 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, focusing on our own level is the best strategy.`

Union Omaha, who play together weekly, have a more conventional preparation approach and are entering the match with momentum from two recent wins.

Notable Des Moines Menace players

Omaha is a USL team on the rise

Union Omaha, with their own strong Open Cup history, including a win against the Menace with similar veteran players last season, are familiar with tournament success. Their 2022 Open Cup run included victories over two MLS teams. Now, under Casiato, they`re translating that success into strong league performance and building a sustainable team. Union Omaha are taking this competition seriously. Their championship experience fuels their desire for more trophies and proves their ability to succeed in important matches.

`Winning a championship – our third in two seasons after consecutive regular season titles in 2023 and 2024 – gives the team confidence in our ability to succeed in big games,` Casiato stated. `Consistent winning year after year, despite player changes, builds belief that we can win regardless of circumstances, competition, or opponent.`

This consistent success is a hallmark of Nebraska soccer. Despite being the away team on Wednesday, April 2, Omaha`s winning momentum will challenge the Menace`s experience. Feilhaber also has a preseason coaching connection with Casiato from his time managing SKC II, highlighting the interconnectedness of the soccer world.

The Open Cup offers Feilhaber a chance to play in front of his family, who rarely saw him play professionally, while Casiato can test his team against seasoned professionals in a knockout setting.

`It`s like our version of March Madness, progressing to higher level teams each round. We played an MLS Next Pro team, now a USL League One team, potentially a USL Championship team, and then an MLS team. It`s a dream, and we`ll go as far as we can,` Feilhaber said.

Both teams share this ambition for Wednesday`s match, but only one will advance to the third round.