While it goes down as a loss, WSA Winnipeg leaves Des Moines with their pride after a tough 2-0 result to the Menace in their 2017 PDL season opener.

Evan Barker was the star of the night, beginning in the 10th minute when he stopped the Menace’s Isaiah Madrid from the penalty spot. Barker would go on to make several key saves to keep his side in the game.

Hayden Partain and Devyn Jambga scored for the hosts. Partain’s strike coming off a well-executed free kick in the first half while Jambga added an insurance marker late in the second half.

Winnipeg had some chances, the best coming in the second half, a Daniel Sagno cross found the head of William Brown, but was headed just wide of the goal.

“We always want to win but against a defending division champion we knew it would be tough,” WSA Winnipeg Head Coach Eduardo Badescu said.

Des Moines had their way with Winnipeg at home in 2016, outscoring them 16-0 at the Valley Stadium.

“On those occasions, we were missing most of our team but tonight we showed we can compete when everyone is healthy and ready to go.”

Two starters made their PDL debuts in the match.  Daniel Sagno was lively in the attack, connecting with teammates and using his speed to break through the Des Moines midfield. Defender Evan Van Dale slotted into a centre-back role with Tom Prazak, on a night where Winnipeg’s defense held shape and frustrated Menace forwards for much of the night.

It’s a quick turnaround for WSA Winnipeg as they continue a lengthy season-opening road trip. The Wolfpack go right back at it Sunday, visiting the St. Louis Lions in their season opener.