Des Moines Menace News Release -- www.menacesoccer.com
Monday, November 5, 2012
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – Matt Homonoff brings experience from North America’s top professional soccer leagues to his new role leading the Des Moines Menace organization.
Homonoff, who was today named the Menace’s General Manager, spent time with D.C. United of Major League Soccer and more recently with FC Edmonton. He succeeds Todd Meiners, who became Menace GM in Feb. 2008 and is transitioning to a role with parent company Kum & Go, L.C.
“As we prepare for our 20th season as Iowa’s Premier Soccer Team, I am pleased to welcome Matt Homonoff to the Des Moines Menace,” said team owner Kyle Krause. “We continue to have very high expectations for the organization, on and off the field, and I am confident in Matt and our staff to continue taking things to the next level.”
“I am honored to have been selected and excited for the challenge,” Homonoff said. “I look forward to building on the successful foundation Todd and the staff have put in place for this organization.”
The Barrington, R.I., native is no stranger to the marketing, sales, and customer service work that make soccer teams successful.
In seven seasons (2003-2009) with D.C. United, he was promoted through the front office ranks to Manager, Corporate Partnerships. Homonoff was part of the organization’s championships in the 2004 MLS Cup and the 2008 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. This time was also highlighted by the emergence of 14-year-old phenom Freddy Adu, who debuted with D.C. in 2004 – the same year his appearance in Des Moines allowed the Menace to set a single-game attendance mark for the Premier Development League.
In Nov. 2009, Homonoff accepted a new challenge, joining Keppler Speakers (Arlington, Va.) as an Associate in the College and University Division. In 2011 he returned to soccer, moving to Canada to serve as Director of Sales for FC Edmonton.
The Menace’s new GM is now ready to focus on developing corporate and community partnerships. His top priorities are to identify a new Head Coach for the men's PDL team, provide the best possible game-day experience for fans and help spread the excitement of Menace Soccer in the community.
In addition to guiding the PDL team, he will continue to build the women’s program that enjoyed a successful inaugural campaign in 2012 under Head Coach Kevin Schalk. He will also work closely with Menace Academy Director Abby Johnson and Director of Operations Adam Small to strengthen the organization’s youth programs.
Homonoff has family ties to the Des Moines area. His wife, Sophie, is a graduate of West Des Moines Valley High School – the school whose stadium has been the home of the Menace since 2008. The Homonoffs, who met while attending American University in Washington, D.C., have two children, Hailey and Lester.
“I love this city and I have been a fan of the Menace and all they do for the soccer in the community for a long time,” Homonoff said. “My family is excited to call Des Moines home and I'll work hard to put a winning team on the field.”