Minnesota Earns a Hard Fought Point from the Rhinos in a 0-0 Draw

June 6, 2009 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


ROCHESTER, NY - The Thunder battle hard for a 0-0 draw against the Rochester Rhinos. By the end of the game, Minnesota was forced to play more defense than desired but they managed to hold off the Rhinos advances. Nic Platter and the rest of the Minnesota defense kept the ball out of the net and they managed to earn a point. Minnesota returns home to host the Nebraska 402 in the opening round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup on Tuesday June 9 at 7:05 p.m.

The first half of the game was played on relatively even ground. In the 19th minute, Rod Dyachenko stepped behind the ball to try and create an opportunity from a corner kick. He drilled the ball and it was looking good until the Rhinos defense stuck a leg out and cleared the ball.

Minnesota looked like they were going to go one up on the Rhinos in the 30th minute from a header. Dyachenko took another corner kick and this one hit its mark. The ball was headed toward the goal and out of the reach of Rochester keeper Tim Melia. Unfortunately, the shot sailed over the goal keeping the score even.

The first half was filled with opportunities for both sides but neither could put a ball in the net. After halftime, the wind started to fill the Rochester's sails because they commanded the momentum.

Cvilikas has a solo goal in mind in the 51st minute. He accepted a pass at the top of the 18 when he performed a spin move and also managed to keep control of the ball. Melia came out to challenge the play as Cvilikas knocked the ball wide right.

Tiger Fitzpatrick severed up a well placed pass to Mike Ambersle in the 54th minute. Ambersle had an opportunity to turn and fire a shot but he was too deep. Ambersle could not turn around quick enough and his shot was kicked wide right.

In the 58th minute, Platter had another impressive save. Due to a handball, Rochester had a free kick on the right side of the penalty box. The Rhinos fed a perfect ball into the box but before Rochester could put a shot on goal, Platter punched the ball away.

Tai Atieno gave Minnesota a scare in the 63rd minute when he had the ball at the top left corner of the penalty box. He had the ball with little room to work with but enough for a shot and sent one toward the goal. Platter saw the ball but did not have to react because it hit the side of the net.

Cvilikas put another shot on goal in the 72nd minute from a cross. Tarley had the ball deep in Rhino territory and he served it up for a one timer. Cvilikas was there to capitalize on the play but his header found the hands of Melia.

In the 78th minute, Rochester forward Mauricio Salles missed an open net opportunity sending the ball over the goal. Platter was taken out of commission due to contact in the box and Salles tried to take advantage of the downed keeper. Platter rightfully complained about the lack of a whistle but his words earned him a caution card.

Cvilikas once again provided the Thunder with a very close miss. He took a pass from Dale Weiler and used his body to spin around and rip a shot. He had little time but a decent amount of space when he took his shot and put one on target. Melia was forced to make a fully stretched dive just to punch it out of play.

Melia denied the Thunder yet again in 88th minute. Dyachenko took a corner and put the ball into a mass of people. There was shot but it was defected. Chris Clements saw this opportunity and proceeded to head the ball in for a try. Melia saw through the confusion and he came up with a game saving block.

"The men battled hard tonight," said Thunder head coach, Donny Gramenz. "They worked extremely hard and collectively on both sides of the ball. It was unfortunate our goal in extra time was called offsides. Now we start preparing and recovering for our Open Cup match on Tuesday."

Minnesota takes a one game hiatus from USL league play to host the Nebraska 402 for the opening round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. All tickets for the game are $5. For individual tickets, please visit www.ticketmaster.com or for group tickets call the Thunder office at 651.294.4664.



USL First Division Stories from June 6, 2009


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