Indy Eleven booked their spot in the next stage of the 2026 United States Open Cup with a solid 3-0 win against the Des Moines Menace on March 18. The USL Championship side proved too strong for their lower-league opponents, using their professional pedigree to secure a straightforward victory at home. Indy Eleven established their dominance early, scoring the opening goal within the first fifteen minutes to settle any nerves. They doubled their lead before halftime, effectively ending the contest as a competitive spectacle. The Menace offered more resistance in the second half but could not find a breakthrough, and Indy Eleven put the finishing touches on the win with a third goal in the final twenty minutes. The match was a showcase for Indy Eleven's attacking depth, with goals coming from multiple sources. Des Moines Menace battled hard but were ultimately outmatched in terms of speed and technical quality. The result has no impact on the league table but is a positive step for Indy Eleven in a cup competition they will hope to make a deep run in. The Indy Eleven manager praised his team's focus and execution, while the Des Moines Menace coach highlighted the valuable experience gained for his players against a higher-level opponent. Indy Eleven fielded a strong starting eleven, demonstrating their seriousness about the competition, and were rewarded with a clean sheet and a comfortable passage to the next round.