This season came to a close in a very tough way for us, in more ways than the standings.  I am sure all who read these know we missed the playoffs by a single goal and a single point.  While that is tough to take, the group all going their seperate ways seems to be even tougher.  I have been coaching the Menace for 4 years now and this was by far the toughest goodbye's a group has had to say.  This group came together so well and got along so perfectly.  It was the best "team" we have had.  There are so many stories to tell, laughs to remember, and pride to brag about.  We had players give away shoes to kids in need, train kids in the community for free, help our youth academy teams and travel 5 hours to cheer them on and develop mentor relationships with our kids, helping them get college soccer opportunities.

As we met to go our seperate ways Monday, even then they brought laughs and good times which ended with a water balloon fight.  These guys came here and really bought into everything we as an organization want.  They were great in the community.... we received many compliments about the camp staff, they were selfless....always helping at appearances and clinics.  We never had to beg this group to help, and they were great in the office.....always working hard in every way expected and showing up in the morning after getting home at 4:30 AM.  I know all this may seem trivial compared to wins and losses, but this group was a great representation of soccer in the Des Moines Community and is a group that we can be as proud of as any that has come through Des Moines. 

And to talk about soccer, this group gutted out everything till the end. Out of 16 games this summer, they were only beaten in 4 of them.  Although the playoffs eluded them, they went out on a 5 game unbeaten streak and fought till the very last second.  While scheduling and questionable calls could have been a crutch, they responded each time in the face of adversity.  This group was the only team to go up to Thunder Bay and not lose.  They battled through the loss of some of its top goal scorers and offensive producers, and battled through tough games every week with no rest or off weekend.  Although tying that last game hurt, I was extremely proud of these guys.  They really fought with everything they had, till the very end.  The St. Louis match epitomizes everything we as a community can hope for in a team. They were down a goal, fighting against a big rival in tough heat and never gave up.  They kept fighting, never questioning themselves or the tough breaks. 

While it is easy to measure success in achievements like playoffs, I hope that all of you fans are as proud of the fact that going to watch the Des Moines Menace means you are going to watch a team that will give everything they have every time and will never give up.  I hope you consider this team successfull and are proud our boys will give anyone a game and give you everything you ask of them, on and off the field. 

These guys are already talking about next year and the foundation they built this year has set a great example for us to be proud of and continue to follow. 

See all of you next year,
Coach Mann