How a joke in an LA gym led Sacha Kljestan, other retired players to the Des Moines Menace
Sacha Kljestan, a retired soccer player, made a return to the game sporting a Des Moines Menace jersey in a U.S. Open Cup match against Capistrano FC in March.
Who is Sacha Kljestan?
Thirty-eight year old Sacha Kljestan had an eventful 16-year career. He made 52 appearances for the U.S. national team, was a three-time Belgian league champion and was an MLS MVP finalist, according to The Athletic.
Kljestan's last professional match was in October of 2022 with the LA Galaxy.
That was a lot of fun. Nothing like playing the game with something on the line. Thanks for having us @MenaceSoccer94! Now back to my day job. 🤣🤣
— Sacha Kljestan (@SachaKljestan) April 4, 2024
After retirement, he joined Apple TV to become a studio analyst for MLS Season Pass.
Why is Sacha Kljestan playing for the Des Moines Menace?
First time putting on cleats in 18 months & my MLS 360 crew showing some love! Thank you @MenaceSoccer94 for bringing this old man back on to the field for the US Open Cup. pic.twitter.com/WovxjPBzbA
— Sacha Kljestan (@SachaKljestan) March 24, 2024
Kljestan frequents a gym near his home in Southern California called MOXI3, which was founded by a former Des Moines Menace player named Matt Bourne.
Bourne’s friends ended up in a spin class with Kljestan, and one thing led to another. One of the friends, Charlie Bales, General Manager of the Menace, and Kljestan were cracking jokes during their workout, according to the Des Moines Menace.
After friendly banter and a direct message on social media, Bales has convinced Kljestan to play in the Open Cup for the Menace on March 20.
Former U.S. Olympian, MLS All-Star, and U.S. Men's National team midfielder @SachaKljestan signs for the club ahead of the @opencup!
How the heck?? You'll wanna read this..
📰 - https://t.co/pT4Iu7X3Xa pic.twitter.com/wHkXQNeFF6— Des Moines Menace (@MenaceSoccer94) March 18, 2024
Kljestan brought some friends with him, The Athletic said. Goalkeeper Brian Rowe, winner of the 2014 MLS Cup with Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane’s LA Galaxy, joined. Euan Holden, who last played for Stockport County and Bury in 2013, came as well.
Not only did Kljestan lead the Menace to victory, but he agreed to bring more friends for the next round.
Will Sacha Kljestan continue to play for the Des Moines Menace?
Former United States international Sacha Kljestan came out of retirement to play in the US Open Cup for semi-pro side Des Moines Menace last night. He assisted a goal and scored what turned out to be the winning penalty in the shootout vs Capo FC. Photo by Ben Nichols. pic.twitter.com/zgX0pVpQsM
— James Nalton (@JDNalton) March 21, 2024
Kljestan made his second appearance with the Menance during a game against Union Omaha in Nebraska, and as promised, brought some friends along with him.
Sporting KC legend Roger Espinoza signed on to play this round, as did three-time MLS Cup winner A.J. DeLaGarza. Espinoza retired this winter and DeLaGarza last played in 2022, according to The Athletic.
The Menace lost the match. The crop of retired players are not expected to join the Menace's regular season roster.
While their travel was covered by the Menace, Kljestan and his friends weren't being paid to play, The Athletic reported. It's all for the love of the game.
Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at vreynarodriguez@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter @VictoriaReynaR.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Sacha Kljestan joins Des Moines Menace after a joke in an LA gym