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Capital City Roots FC
May 9, 2026
WHAT TONIGHT
MEANS
A note from the founder on the eleven months that built this match
Tonight, Capital City Roots FC walks into Mediacom Stadium to play the Des Moines Menace. Eleven months ago, this club did not exist. That sentence is the whole story.
When we started Capital City Roots FC in June 2025, it was a vision built on belief — belief that Des Moines deserved a professional development soccer club, that players in central Iowa deserved a real pathway to the next level, and that this community would show up if we built something worth showing up for.
Less than a year later, we are stepping onto a USL field on Latino Heritage Night, as a UPSL Premier club, playing up a level against one of the most respected organizations in the country. We made the playoffs in our very first season. Our head coach was selected for the UPSL Team of the Week twice in his first year. We have built a roster of dedicated players who chose this club because they believe in what we are building.
None of this is by accident.
“Tonight is not about winning or losing. It is about a UPSL club earning the right to play up a level on the biggest field in our state — and what that says to every player, every family, and every kid in Des Moines watching what we are building.”
Josh — Founder, Capital City Roots FC
To the men who have shown up every single day — through long nights, hard conversations, and zero shortcuts — because you believe in this professional development program. This club exists because of you.
- Hamed AlicHead Coach · 2x UPSL Team of the Week (Fall 2025)
- Jeff MenendezAssistant Coach
- Collin SchmidtClub General Manager
- Ethan BartelsDirector of Soccer Operations
- Marc LeyvaHead Goalkeeper Trainer
- Marco VelascoHead of Recruiting
- Moad AliTeam Photographer · 515Kickers
I am proud of this group. I am proud of every player who pulls on this kit. And I am proud of what we are showing the next generation of soccer players in this city — that the level you dream about is closer than they have been told.
Tonight is also a thank you to the Des Moines Menace, to Pro Iowa, and to Kyle Davy for the opportunity. The Menace did not have to take this match. They chose to. Their belief in what we are building — in year two, before anyone had to believe — is something this club will not forget.
Every home match the Roots play in our UPSL season is free admission. That is not a marketing decision — it is who we are. The community we are trying to reach cannot be priced out of the game we are trying to grow. Soccer should be accessible to every family, every kid, every level. That starts at the gate.
This is a big day for Capital City Roots FC. It is a big day for the Des Moines community. And it is a big day for soccer players of every level in this state who are watching what is possible when a city decides to build something together.
To everyone coming out to Mediacom tonight — thank you. We will see you under the lights.
Roots FC vs
Garwo United FC
Sunday, May 10 · 7:00 PM
James Cownie Sports Complex, Field 9 · Des Moines, Iowa
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