Minnesota End Road Stand Without a Win Falling to Carolina 1-0

Published on April 26, 2009 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


CARY, North Carolina (Sunday, April 26, 2009) - Minnesota Thunder lose the grudge match to the Carolina Railhawks. This is the second time the two teams squared off this year in Cary and the home team walked away with a win in both games. It was an unseasonably warm Sunday afternoon with temperatures floating around 90 degrees. This heat definitely took its toll on both teams. Carolina controlled the ball throughout most of the game but Minnesota, who just came off of a 1-1 draw with Charleston on Friday, made plays when they needed to. The Thunder just could not manage to get the ball past Carolina keeper Eric Reed.

Daniel Paladini for the Carolina Railhawks took an early shot in the 19th minute. He took his shot from 25 yards out and was looking for the near side of the goal but it sailed wide.

In the 29th minute Brian Plotkin ripped a 35 yard shot from his left foot. The downfall of this ball was not Platter but the crossbar. Leroy Brown sent a well placed through pass to Plotkin and he proceeded to drill the post. The score remained unchanged.

Late in the first half, in the 43rd minute, Melvin Tarley had a chance to give Minnesota the lead. Jack Stewart for the Railhawks went down and Tarley took the window of opportunity to shoot from the top of the penalty box. He tried for a low shot but Reed was there to keep the score even.

In the 47th minute, the Thunder had their first chance for a goal in the second half. Leonel Saint-Preux sent a laser toward the near side of the goal. Reed was forced to make a diving catch to prevent this ball from scoring.

Carolina scored the only goal of the game in the 58th minute. Plotkin was credited for this score. Railhawks' Josh Gardner sent a cross to the middle and Plotkin was in the box to accept the pass. As Minnesota started to close in on him, he kept his composure and slipped a ball just passed an outstretched Nick Platter.

Greenfield earned himself a caution card in the 73rd minute. This was a smart foul because he prevented a two on one breakaway for the Railhawks.

In the 82nd minute, Tarley did what he could to get something going for the Thunder. He was given a nice pass but by the time he took control of it he was too deep in Carolina territory and his cross pass fell into the hands of Railhawks' keeper Eric Reed.

Carolina did manage to put another ball in the net. Fortunately for Minnesota, Carolina's forwards were offsides so Nick Platter did not have to put another notch in the goals allowed column.

After the both halves of play concluded, Carolina held onto the lead with a score of 1-0. Minnesota leaves Cary with their second loss of the season and their second loss to the Carolina Railhawks.

Head coach for the Minnesota Thunder, Donny Gramenz, said this about the game and what is coming up for the team, "The guys performed well tonight. We had several stretches during the game when I saw the level we are going to attain and perform this year. We are looking forward to training outside and playing our games at home for the month of May."

Thunder season tickets are now on sale and can be purchased for as little as $65. Fans can choose from flex ticket options that allow the use of any number of tickets for any game, or fans can choose their specific seat for each and every game. In addition, the Thunder's new Shield Pass allows fans ages 3-18 to attend every single Thunder and Lightning game for just $20 for the season. With over a $200 value, the Shield Pass is the best sports ticket value in the Twin Cities. To purchase season tickets, please visit www.mnthunder.com or call 651.294.4664.

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USL First Division Stories from April 26, 2009


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