USL President Paul McDonough joins Des Moines soccer supporters and community leaders to discuss the future of professional women’s and men’s soccer.
Krause Group and the Iowa Soccer Development Foundation (ISDF) have long shared a vision for bringing United Soccer League (USL) soccer to Des Moines. On September 24, USL President and CEO Paul McDonough joined them and local stakeholders to talk about what professional women’s and men’s teams, a stadium and a surrounding district could mean for our city.
The gathering was a chance to hear directly from the league about its commitment to Des Moines. McDonough shared examples of communities where soccer stadiums have become part of a broader neighborhood experience. After visiting Des Moines, he offered a simple assessment: “This is a USL city,” as reported by the Business Record.
Recent coverage has also described an MLS NEXT Pro proposal being explored by other parties to relocate Sporting Kansas City II, a men’s team affiliated with Sporting Kansas City. Krause Group and ISDF remain focused on the USL vision we have pursued together: bringing Des Moines its own professional women’s and men’s teams.
Members of the Des Moines soccer community, including supporters of the Des Moines Menace, were part of the gathering. They have helped build a strong foundation for the sport here. Their presence was a reminder that this vision grows from a community that already shows up for soccer and wants to see what comes next.
For Kyle Krause, founder and CEO of Krause Group and owner of the Menace, the vision is also personal. He spoke about coaching his children and what it could mean for the next generation of Iowans to see professional players build their careers here. “We can make that happen and provide those dreams and inspirations in little kids throughout the state of Iowa,” he said, according to the Business Record.
ISDF President Jeff Lorenzen told attendees that financing for the stadium remains intact. He explained why development around the stadium is an important part of bringing the full vision to life.
“We feel good about our position and where the soccer stadium is,” Lorenzen said, as reported by the Des Moines Register. “The piece that is really going to be the catalyst to help bring that together is the development around it because they work hand in hand. When you have a soccer stadium, it’s about having entertainment retailers. That’s the engine that really creates the vitality and enthusiasm around any soccer stadium and development area.”
That connection is central to the vision: a place that draws people downtown for soccer and gives them reasons to gather there throughout the year.
The path forward will take continued collaboration. As Lorenzen told the crowd, “What we’re asking for is a partnership to finish this. The hardest years are behind this project. The return is in front of us. ISDF remains willing and hopeful to find a viable path aligned with the city’s long-term vision.”
Krause Group is committed to bringing USL women’s and men’s professional soccer to Des Moines. We will continue our strong partnership with USL and work with ISDF, city leaders and the soccer community to make it happen.
Read the coverage: Des Moines Register · Business Record
