Burnley Clarets Defeats Minnesota Thunder 2-0

Published on July 16, 2008 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


The Minnesota Thunder hosted the Burnley F.C. Clarets Tuesday night in an international friendly that Minnesota hasn't seen in 30 years. English Championship League team Burnley was on a two game United States tour, playing the Carolina Railhawks last Friday and ending in Minnesota last night. After a 0-0 tie at half, the Clarets pulled ahead to win 2-0 overall.

"I thought it was a spectacular game for soccer fans in Minnesota with a very high level of play and end to end action. Burnley was quite good, they were all over us in the first 15 minutes. But we came back and played very well down the stretch of the first half into the second half. Their coach agreed that it could have gone either way. It would have been a deserving win for us and it was for them so in terms of what we wanted to accomplish," said Thunder head coach Amos Magee.

The Thunder premiered a special jersey for the Burnley match, who is starting a new era in Minnesota soccer. After the premier of their new stadium on Friday night, the Thunder is on a six game home stretch to get past their winless slump at the midseason point.

The game started off in favor of Burnley, who started off attacking the Thunder net. In the 3rd minute, Claret striker Robbie Blake drilled a low ball into the six yard box that was cleared with Chris McCann waiting at the far post.

In the 12th minute, the Thunder had their first opportunity. Clark Carlisle tackled Jeremiah Bass 30 yards outside the Claret goal. Ricardo Sanchez took the free kick that was unexpectedly dangerous to the goalkeeper, but was cleared out by the defense.

In the 30th minute, the Thunder found another offensive opportunity. Luchi Gonzalez sent a beautiful ball to Bass who was fouled by Burnley keeper Brian Jensen in the penalty box. Both teams went into the halftime break scoreless, with a crowd anxiously awaiting a goal.

After many subsitutions, including key Burnley striker Ade Akinbiyi, both teams were playing solid soccer. A long shot by Sanchez almost bent in around the 70th minute, while Stephen deRoux's shot in the 82nd was thought to be in as well. The Thunder was definitely dangerous in the Burnley territory, but stayed true to their ways and couldn't find the back of the net.

In the 79th minute, Clarets' McCann scored for Burnley. Alan Mahon's corner found the head of McCann, beating Thunder keeper Nic Platter into the side netting. Burnley then scored again just minutes later to secure their victory in the 90th minute. Jay Rodriguez slid a ball into the Thunder net off a pass from Alex MacDonald.

Although the Thunder lost, all was well on the field after the game. After every autograph was signed and all USA Cup participants were pleased with the game, Magee shared his thoughts on the game.

"It was a great night for soccer in Minnesota with a packed, brand new gorgeous stadium, with two high level opponents and a real atmosphere worthy of European venue. I'm pretty certain everyone who attended the game felt like it was as enjoyable of a night spent with soccer in Minnesota," said Magee.

Burnley fans from all over showed up to watch the Thunder, including fans from New York, Michigan, Texas, and even Burnley. Steve Horner, a Burnley fan from Michigan, came with three friends from England and talked about his positive experience at the game.

"The four of us really enjoyed it. I don't think we actually were expecting to be sitting on the football field. We're so used to watching the game in the stands. It was a different perspective on the game, sitting at the players level was certainly an experience. The Minnesota Thunder as a team I thought played very well. The whole event was very good, we all enjoyed ourselves," said Horner.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



USL First Division Stories from July 16, 2008


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central