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Magee takes charge of Thunder

October 12, 2005 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


ST. PAUL, Minn. (Wednesday, October 12, 2005) - It was announced today by Minnesota Thunder officials that Thunder all-time leading goal scorer, Amos Magee, a St. Paul native, has been named head coach of the Thunder and will take the place of 16-year head coach Buzz Lagos who announced his retirement after the 2005 season. Magee, 34, who retired as a player after the 2004 season, had spent the previous 15 years as a player under Lagos and the last year as an assistant coach.

"I had planned on winning the league championship as a player in 2004 and then retiring," said Magee. "Although that didn't happen, I'm now excited about winning the league championship as a head coach."

"Famous Amos" Magee, the longest tenured member of the team in history, tallied 64 goals and 39 assists in over 180 games in his professional career. He played on the 1993 US Maccabiah team, winning the bronze medal. Magee was also an assistant coach of the 2005 US Maccabiah team that traveled to Israel and made it all the way to the final. Magee played seven games with the Tampa Bay Mutiny of Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2000, and was on-loan to the Chicago Fire of MLS in 2002.

"Amos has been an outstanding asset to this organization throughout the years," said Thunder general manager Djorn Buchholz. "This club has been built on tradition and Amos is the perfect fit to lead this team into the future. He has been a champion on the field and we know he will be one as a coach as well."

In Magee's 16 years as a player and coach, he has been a leader; not only on the team, but also in the community through coaching in the Thunder's summer soccer camps and in clinics year round. As the current head coach at his former high school, St. Paul Academy (SPA), and as a coach that holds a USSF ‘A' license, Magee is excited about this opportunity to further his coaching career.

"I am looking forward to carrying on the legacy and vision set forth by Buzz," said Magee. "At 34, to have the number one job that I've wanted in all of soccer is awe inspiring."

The St. Paul native will have big shoes to fill after his predecessor, Lagos, posted a combined record over 16 years of 325 wins, 149 losses, and 46 draws. Lagos also took the team to seven league finals, winning it all in 1999 against the Rochester Raging Rhinos in a game where Magee tallied both assists.

"I want to thank the Thunder organization for its support over the years and for giving me this opportunity, and I also want to thank my long-time coach Buzz Lagos," said Magee. "Most importantly, I want to thank the Thunder's faithful fans for making this the place I want to spend my soccer career and for welcoming me as the new head coach."

Season tickets for the 2006 season are now on sale by calling 651-917-8326 or by visiting www.mnthunder.com. Anybody that purchases season tickets before the end of the 2005 calendar year will receive 2005 prices as some packages are expected to go up in price on Jan. 1. Season ticket holders from the 2005 season will also receive an additional 10% off their order if purchased by the end of the year.

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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.

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