Lineup changes expected to bolster scoring

Published on June 4, 2004 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


ST. PAUL, Minn. (Friday, June 4, 2004) - Thunder head coach Buzz Lagos has decided to shakeup his lineup for Saturday's contest with the Syracuse Salty Dogs, as Zafer Kilickan, Melvin Tarley and Chris Vorenkamp will find a place in the starting lineup, it was announced today by team officials.

Each of the three has been involved in the Thunder's last two goals scored at James Griffin Stadium. Vorenkamp scored the game-winner in overtime against the Milwaukee Wave United on June 16 and Tarley scored another overtime winner off a pass from Klickan to send the Thunder to victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps on Wednesday.

"These three players were involved in our last two goals at home and we expect them to give us a scoring boost," said coach Lagos of the lineup change.

Despite only scoring seven goals in the team's first eight games, the Thunder are currently tied for first place in the Western Conference.

"It's amazing what we've accomplished with only seven goals," commented Coach Lagos.

Kickoff for Saturday's game versus the Salty Dogs is set for 6 p.m. Last year the Thunder defeated Syracuse 4-2 in their only meeting.

The first 2,000 fans to the game receive FREE Bremer Bank water bottles. At halftime, 12 fans will partake in a penalty kick shootout against Africa Survivor winner and former pro goalkeeper Ethan Zohn.

JACQUETTE OUT 1-2 WEEKS WITH SEPARATED SHOULDER

Thunder defender Brent Jacquette is out for 1-2 weeks because of a separated shoulder sustained in Wednesday's 1-0 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps. It was originally thought that Jacquette had a fractured collarbone and would be out for as many as six weeks. The injury occurred when Jacquette took a rough tackle from a Whitecaps player in the 68th minute of play.

WILSON PLAYS IN WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS

First-year defender Mike Wilson is currently in New Zealand participating as a member of the New Zealand national team in the first rounds of 2006 World Cup qualifiers. Wilson started in defense in Wednesday's 4-2 upset loss to Vanuatu and in Friday's 10-0 win over Tahiti. The New Zealand side plays Fiji on Sunday, after which Wilson will return to Minnesota. According to New Zealand newspapers, the loss to Vanuatu is the worst in the team's 82-year history.

THUNDER-MORELIA TICKETS SELLING QUICKLY

Tickets to the Thunder versus Morelia games on June 18 at James Griffin and June 19 in Rochester are selling at a brisk pace. Over 1,000 tickets for each game have already been sold.

The cost for general admission tickets is $12 for adults and $8 for youth ages 18 and under. Flex packs, VIP tickets and group discount rates are also available. Tickets for the game can be purchased online at www.mnthunder.com, or by calling the Thunder office at 651-917-8326.

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USL First Division Stories from June 4, 2004


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