Des Moines United FC Defeats Sunflower State FC 2-1 in Home Opener

By Des Moines United FC

Des Moines United FC battled hard on Wednesday night against Sunflower State FC and came away with a 2-1 win in their home opener.  

Sunflower State started out the game attacking and made Des Moines United goalkeeper Rayane El Mehdi show his dominance in goal to keep the visitors at out of the scoreboard.  

After a nervy start by both teams and Sunflower State gaining confidence in possession, a poor pass inside United’s half was picked off by Evan Carlson.  He wasted no time with a pinpoint pass for Lesego Molama to run into, taking one touch and smashing the ball into the opposite corner to put Des Moines up 1-0 in the 29th minute.

Lincoln Borges converted a penalty kick in the 45th minute, sending the goalkeeper the opposite way to give United a comfortable 2-0 lead.

Sunflower State brought one back with a penalty kick by Cooper Forcellini at the 70th minute.  

Des Moines head coach JR Fernandes told his players to stand firm to secure the NPSL win in the club’s history.  They did just that and emerged with three points in the standings.  

“We are very proud of the team and how we managed to stay in the lead even when we went to 10 men,” Fernandes said. “Our group is very talented, and I trust everyone in the squad.  I know the guys will do their best, even when some situations don’t go in our favor.  Now is time to get back to work because we have an important away match Saturday against the Iowa Raptors, which is also a very qualified team.”

Des Moines United will be back in action Saturday, May 20th in Cedar Rapids at Prairie High School to face Iowa Raptors FC in their home and league opener. 

Photo Provided by Des Moines United FC