Des Moines Menace Soccer

With the season on the way and the boys in town, I figured I would take a few minutes to give you some scoop on some of the players!

I will start with someone you all might remember from last year, Nicki Patterson.  Nicki is the talker of the team.  He always has something to say even if it is a bit outrageous, but at least you know what goes on in his Scottish mind.  He also has his way with the ladies.  I know everyone on the team is envious of his accent because he does not even have to sound intelligent for women to love him.

I will stay in Vegas and move on to Danny Cruz.  I look at Danny as a little brother who really helps me unwind at the end of the day.  I have only known him a week or so but we have already had numerous heart to hearts.  He has the heart of a lion and you have to appreciate how hard he works.  Danny can score goals but struggles to pick up after himself.

Ben Haugland is next but we know him as Hoogie.  Even though he seems to break anything he touches, Hoogie might be one of the nicest guys I have ever met.  Mature for his age and wise in his ways, Hoogie could be seen as the father figure of the group, but I believe that comment would be high debatable by his other UNLV teammates.  Even though he is one of the several new comers ask him how he became captain for the night.

Dan Williams quickly became a close friend of mine as we spent the first couple of days doing laundry and telling stories.  I am still trying to figure out how I always find a goalie living in my apartment.  He has proven that he can make huge saves and loves the fact that he is one of the few soccer players who is also a frat boy!

Cody Reinberg.  I am not even sure where I should start.  I have known Cody since grade school but have not talked to him since we both graduated from different high schools in our home city of St. Louis.  It would be a lie to say he should not get paid to take off his shirt.  I am still trying to figure out how he did not get casted for the movie 300. 

Brian Fishback is the king of one-liners and always keeps the boys laughing.  I will never forget his comment about wanting a certain hair style.  Marco Cherisma loves Chelsea and takes heat for it everyday as the Menace team is littered with Manchester United Fans.  Eric Defreitas drives a scooter and would love to ride double if you are interested.  Joe Salem reminds me all the time how Tulsa seems to beat UAB every time we play.  Tucker and Lance are attached at the hip.  I still find it funny that Tucker reads to Lance as he falls asleep. 

This is just a little sampling of the Menace boys and more will come as the season progresses.  I am still getting to know a lot of them but am anxious to learn more.  I believe we have an amazing group of guys and I am just so excited to be apart of this special group!!

Joe Klosterman #2