Des Moines Menace News Release -- www.menacesoccer.com
Friday, June 20, 2014
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa – On June 8, 2013, the Des Moines Menace lost its perfect 8-0-0 home record against the Springfield Demize, as the Demize won, 1-0, for the first time on the Menace’s home field. Des Moines’ loss meant the franchise’s first winless year against Springfield.
In 2014, Des Moines has the opportunity to flip the script, while winning some hardware in the process.
The Kum & Go Kup, a regular-season series between Des Moines and Springfield, will find its first home Saturday night. The Kum & Go Kup, new to the 2014 season, is a celebration of Kum & Go’s growth and success in its two largest markets. Kum & Go is the fifth-largest privately held convenience-store chain in the United States and has more than 420 locations in 11 states.
Des Moines leads the season series, with a 2-0 win in Springfield on May 17 in the teams’ season-opener. A win, draw, or one-goal loss for Des Moines ensures the trophy stays with the Menace for the first year.
The Menace will make a quick turnaround, as the team leaves Monday for a Tuesday-night match against the Chicago Inferno. Des Moines will go for the regular-season sweep of the Inferno with Tuesday’s 7:30 game at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Ill. The Menace beat Chicago, 3-0, on June 7.
ABOUT THE MENACE
- Tied for the PDL Heartland Division lead (St. Louis, 3-1-3) with 12 points and a 4-1-0 record.
- Leading scorer Chris Hellmann, an honorable mention selection for the current PDL Team of the Week, has tallied a goal in each of the last three games.
- Held the PDL’s only unbeaten and untied record before losing last Friday in Thunder Bay; bounced back with a 3-2 win the next night.
- Are guided by second-year head coach Mike Jeffries.
ABOUT THE DEMIZE
- Fourth in the Heartland Division with a record of 2-3-3 (nine points).
- Led by first-year head coach Ian Henry.
- Coming off a 2-0 win at Chicago on Tuesday.
- Are undefeated in four of their last five outings.
- Best finish came in 2012 (5-7-4).
ALL-TIME SERIES
- Des Moines leads the all-time series 14-2-1.
- The Menace took the first 2014 regular-season match, 2-0, on May 17 at Cooper Complex in Springfield, Mo.
- Des Moines leads on aggregate score, 48-6.
KUM & GO KUP
- This rivalry trophy debuts in 2014.
- Des Moines leads the cup standings with a win and two away goals.
- The winner is determined by points earned in the regular-season games between the Menace and the Demize. Tie-breakers: 1. Aggregate goals scored; 2. Away goals scored; 3. Previous year’s series winner (Springfield in 2013).
- Trophy will be presented at the conclusion of the season’s last meeting between the teams (June 21 at Valley Stadium).
- The trophy will be on display in the plaza until 6:45 p.m. to take pictures with the fans.
- The perennial trophy was generously provided by Custom Awards and Embroidery, a locally owned company based in Urbandale.