For Lamar Hunt US Open Cup regulars Des Moines Menace, it was another notch to their belt as they defeated Duluth FC on penalties to advance to the Second Round after a 1-1 draw. Des Moines won the penalty shootout 3-1.

Des Moines didn’t wait long to get on the board for this match, scoring in the 10th minute on a goal by Ignacio Goya de Anca. Goya de Anca was served a great short cross from Marek Weber and Goya de Anca caught it on the volley on his right foot to the far corner of the goal to beat Duluth goalkeeper Alberto Ciroi.

The Menace had some good possession after the goal, but a giveaway in their own half led to a penalty call for Duluth in the 34th minute. On a counter for Duluth, it eventually bounced around to Dorian Barberto where he was almost hockey checked by James Thomas. No card was issued but it was an easy penalty to score for Carlyle Junior. It would stay 1-1 going into halftime.

The second half was much more physical and chippy as both sides tried to find the winning goal. Yellow cards started being awarded in the second half for both teams, but it was Des Moines dominating possession and the majority of the chances. Notably for Duluth, they did have a one-on-one with the Menace keeper Jordan Bell but was denied by Bell. The winning goal would not be found and the match would head to extra time.

Extra time was similar to the second half, with Des Moines netting the majority of the chances. Ciroi was up to the task all night making a few crucial saves and takes from crosses to deny the Menace. Both teams would end up using all four subs in this match, although Des Moines’ last sub in extra time was due to injury as Daniel Mukuna picked up a knock in the 112th minute.

With no one able to break the deadlock, the game went to penalty kicks. For the Menace, who were founded in 1994 and made their Open Cup debut in 2002, it was their first PK shootout since 2005. That year, they eliminated the USL’s Pittsburgh Riverhounds.

Jordan Bell was a savior for Des Moines in the shootout, making a major save in the shootout. Unofficially, he had to save that kick twice. On Duluth’s second kick by Alberto Diaz, Bell was deemed to be off the line the referee while making the save. Bell would then be given a card for arguing and time wasting before the kick was retaken. Diaz was then denied on the retaken kick in a classic “ball don’t lie” situation. Duluth’s Ronaldo Fortune would sky his kick and Aiden Hill would hit the post, leaving Duluth with only the one made kick by Lucas Jacobs.

Des Moines their first three penalty kicks by O’quin Robinson, Rory O’Keefe, and Marek Weber. Des Moines advances to face Saint Louis FC of USL Championship in the Second Round on May 15.