Friedland and Brisson return to Thunder

March 14, 2006 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


ST. PAUL, Minn. (Tuesday, March 14, 2006) - The Minnesota Thunder announced today that Kevin Friedland and Chris Brisson will return to the Thunder for the 2006 season. Terms of the agreements were not disclosed.

Friedland, who has been a member of the Thunder since 2004, played in 19 games last season logging just over 1,000. Prior to joining the Thunder, Friedland was drafted by the Kansas City Wizards with the 53rd overall pick in the 2003 MLS Superdraft. Friedland was an All-American and All-Missouri Valley Conference during his senior season at Southern Methodist University.

Friedland missed a stretch of games in 2005 due to his MVP performance representing the United States soccer team at the Maccabiah games in Israel. During the 2004 season, Friedland logged 2,212 minutes in 27 games as an outside midfielder. Head Coach Amos Magee will use Friedland in more of a defensive roll this season.

"Kevin has excellent skills for a strong defender or outside midfielder," said Magee. "His jumping availability lets him play like he is six foot tall. I'm excited to have him back."

Brisson is a young player who saw limited time during the 2005 season. Brisson was brought in as an amateur and impressed Magee enough to offer him a professional contract for 2006. Brisson is originally from Hugo, Minn. and attended White Bear Lake high school. He continued his career at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where he was a four year starter.

"Brisson is a young player for us and will make an impact this season," said Magee. "He played very well in our combine this past February and has improved dramatically during this off-season."

The Thunder opens its season on April 23 against the defending USL First Division champions the Seattle Sounders. The Thunder will be making a major announcement regarding its home opener by the end of the week. For ticket information, please call 651-917-TEAM or visit www.mnthunder.com .



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