The Des Moines Menace PDL team came from behind and notched a 2-1 win on Wednesday evening to knock out NPSL side FC Wichita who were hosting their first-ever US Open Cup match. FC Wichita got on the board first in the 46th minute when Carlos Contreras tapped home the go ahead goal. Just 10 minutes later the Menace answered with a goal by Heath Preston who cut apart the FC Wichita defense slotting home the equalizer. Away from home the Menace continued to fight hard and were rewarded late in the game with an 86th minute game winner by Leigh Veidman putting the Menace through to the 2nd round.
The Menace will now host their Second Round game against the Tulsa Roughnecks on Wednesday, May 18.
Des Moines Menace Press Release
Rallying with goals from veteran leaders Mark Heath Preston and Leigh Veidman, the Des Moines Menace eked by FC Wichita tonight at Stryker Soccer Complex. The season-opening victory sets up a second-round matchup: the Menace will host Tulsa Roughnecks FC next Wednesday (May 18).
Des Moines’ 11th U.S. Open Cup run continues with the chance for the franchise to earn its seventh win against a professional team. The Menace eyes its first home win against a pro team since defeated the Charleston Battery in 2005.
FC Wichita’s first appearance in the U.S. Open Cup was a short one, though the second-year team from the National Premier Soccer League gave the Menace all it could handle in this well-attended game played under blue, sunny skies. In the opening minute after a scoreless first half, Carlos Contreras became FC Wichita’s first player to score in U.S. Soccer’s century-old national tournament.
Heath Preston evened the match in the 57th minute, barreling between defenders on the left side and finishing with a breakaway blast. After sneaking behind the defense in the 85th minute, Veidman delivered the game-winner, which deflected off the feet of goalkeeper Steven Hamersky.
“It’s exciting for the club,” said Veidman – who, like Heath Preston, is a second-year Menace player, a native of England and a Bellevue (Neb.) graduate. “We’re excited to get to play a pro team at home.
“I think it shows a lot of character, going down a goal and coming back for the win,” Veidman continued. “We were creating chances, and it was a just a case of being patient and composed when the opportunity came. This gives us a sense of momentum going into next week, and I’m just happy for the team.”
Playing in its seventh consecutive U.S. Open Cup, the Menace has won five straight matches against Cup competition. Des Moines is 7-2 against fellow amateur teams in the national tournament (2-0 on the road).
The Menace has hosted at least one match in all of its U.S. Open Cup appearances, compiling an 8-5 mark on its home turf.
Head coach Mike Matkovich and his team prepare for two home matches in a four-day span. Following Wednesday’s Open Cup action, the Menace opens Premier Development League play on May 21, welcoming Chicago Fire U23.
FOOTNOTES
· Des Moines has tied the Michigan Bucks for most Open Cup wins by an amateur franchise; the Menace is 13-10 in the tournament, while the Bucks are 13-13 after coming up short in a shootout loss to Detroit City FC tonight.
· The Menace’s previous two Open Cup matches – last year’s home win over the Madison Fire and OT loss at Saint Louis FC – also ended in a 2-1 score.
· Before the game, there was a moment of silence to honor the late Abel “Shadow” Sebele, who died in a car accident in January. Sebele starred for the 2013 Menace and last year was the first captain for FC Wichita.
MAN of the MATCH: Mark Heath Preston for his equalizer and for creating several scoring opportunities leading up to the game-winner. Heath Preston is the head men’s soccer coach at his alma mater, Bellevue. He holds the program’s career records for points (107) and goals (45).
UP NEXT: The Menace welcomes Tulsa Roughnecks FC (United Soccer League) next Wednesday in the second round of the U.S. Open Cup. Des Moines is back at Valley Stadium on May 21, hosting Chicago Fire U23 to open the PDL regular season. Magnet schedules, sponsored by Kum & Go and Frito Lay, will be handed out as fans enter the Saturday-night game. All of the team’s home action starts at 7:30.
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