How's this for an opening act?
The Des Moines Menace will now open for ... the Des Moines Menace.
The soccer franchise announced Wednesday that it is adding a women?s team for the 2012 season.
"I think it just adds that much value to the Menace soccer experience," said Adam Small, Menace director of operations. "It's exciting."
The new team will become the sixth member of Women's League Soccer, joining the Chicago Breeze, the Cincinnati Lady Saints, FC Indiana, Fort Wayne and the Indiana Invaders.
The men's squad competes in the 64-team United Soccer League's Premier Development League.
Kevin Schalk, who works as the Menace?s youth development director, was tabbed as the women?s coach.
"It's long overdue," Schalk said. "I think we have a great presence of Division I programs in the state. I think it's not only going to benefit the Menace as an organization but really the schools themselves with the best players playing high-caliber soccer for the summer."
The women's team will open for the men?s team for home events at Valley Stadium, giving fans a chance to catch two matches in one night.
"I think that it helps us get the word out," Schalk said.
Schalk said the news of the women?s team has generated interest from possible players from colleges throughout the state over the last few months.
"I'm open to bringing in 25-30 players, and I don't think that should be a problem," Schalk said.
Small said plans haven't been finalized on ticket prices or game times for the doubleheaders. He said fans would be able to purchase one ticket that would admit them to both matches.
Small said fans have been asking for a women?s team in recent years.
"We have great soccer fans who like seeing the game played at a high level here at Iowa," Small said.
Schalk said he has big plans for the new squad.
"As we continue to grow and develop the program, I would hope that we would have a strong enough following to play solo. I do see that down the road."
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