A Star-Studded Comeback on the Pitch

In an unprecedented move, the Des Moines Menace, a fourth-division amateur team from USL League Two, has assembled a roster filled with retired MLS All-Stars for their U.S. Open Cup campaign. Spearheaded by former U.S. national team midfielder Sacha Kljestan, the team features legends like Matt Hedges, Ozzie Alonso, Benny Feilhaber, Dax McCarty, and Bradley Wright-Phillips.

Why Des Moines?

The story began in Southern California, where Kljestan, now an analyst for MLS on Apple TV, reconnected with former Menace player Matt Bourne. What started as a casual suggestion turned into a full-blown project:

"We decided if we were going to do it, we were going to go all out," said Kljestan, who scored both goals in their 2-1 first-round victory over Sporting Kansas City’s reserves.

The Challenge of Unretirement

For many of these players, returning to competitive soccer after years of retirement hasn’t been easy:

• Limited training time: With players flying in from 15 states, the team had just two full sessions before their first match.
• Fitness hurdles: "Being stopped for a five-year period is going to be problematic," admitted Feilhaber, who trained rigorously to regain match sharpness.

Beyond the Nostalgia Factor

While the project is fueled by nostalgia, it’s also a platform for aspiring professionals:

• Young players like Leroy Enzugusi (a 2021 MLS draftee) are learning from the veterans.
• Head coach Charlie Latshaw III emphasized showcasing talent: "We have guys waiting for their professional break."

What’s Next?

The Menace host Union Omaha in the second round, aiming to surpass last year’s early exit. With potential prize money ($50,000 for the deepest lower-division run) and community buzz—local fans and Enzugusi’s youth players will pack the stands—the stakes are high.

Will this Hollywood-esque underdog story continue? As Kljestan put it: "You never know who’s watching."

Key Stats:

• 9/11 starters had MLS experience.
• 8 retired pros in the starting lineup vs. SKC 2.
• 3,000–5,000 fans expected for the second-round match.