New Zealand international joins Thunder

Published on March 30, 2004 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


ST. PAUL, Minn. (Tuesday, March 30, 2004) – New Zealand international midfielder Michael Wilson signed today with the Minnesota Thunder. Wilson will join his national team in Scotland for a short time in late May for World Cup qualifying. The 23 year-old measures in at 5-11, 170-pounds and has one cap for his country.

"Wilson is a smart, tenacious central midfielder and defender whom we expect to step in and make an impact," said Thunder head coach Buzz Lagos.

Wilson, who finished his career at Stanford University in 2003, was chosen seventh in the third round of the Major League Soccer 2004 SuperDraft by the San Jose Earthquakes. In his four years at Stanford he played in more than 70 games, earned an All-Pac-10 honor, and was co-captain in 2003.

Wilson attended Hutt International Boys School where he was named School Sportsman of the Year for years 1996-98. He played in the Oceania World Cup in 1997 for the Under-17 National Team and in 1998 for the Under-20 National Team, winning the gold and bronze medals respectively. After high school, Wilson spent a year studying in France and playing with the local French League Division III team.

2. THUNDER EXPANDS MYSA DATES

This year the Minnesota Thunder has increased the dates when Minnesota Youth Soccer Association (MYSA) tickets can be used to 12 games in 2004. As part of the Thunder's partnership with the MYSA, one youth general admission ticket will be sent to each of the 76,000 registered soccer players in the state of Minnesota.

"This is a great opportunity to see soccer played at the highest level in the state," said Jim Froslid, Thunder President and General Manager.

The dates where the MYSA ticket is valid include all regular home games held at James Griffin Stadium and Macalester College, and are:

MAY
-15 vs. Edmonton Aviators
-21 vs. Milwaukee Wave United
JUNE
-2 vs. Vancouver Whitecaps
-5 vs. Syracuse Salty Dogs
-12 vs. Seattle Sounders
-22 vs. Portland Timbers
-26 vs. Milwaukee Wave United
JULY
-4 vs. Seattle Sounders
-10 vs. Virginia Beach Mariners
-15 vs. Calgary Mustangs
-24 vs. Edmonton Aviators (Macalester College)
AUGUST
-14 vs. Portland Timbers (Macalester College)

3. INTRASQUAD SCRIMMAGE SATURDAY

The Thunder will compete against each other in this weekend's intrasquad scrimmage at Hopkins Pavilion (kickoff 7 p.m.) giving fans the chance to see the 2004 team in action for the first time in Minnesota and to catch a glimpse of what's to come this season. Tickets are $3 in advance and $5 at the door. Advance tickets must be purchased by Wednesday at 5 p.m. Tickets are available by calling the Thunder office at 651.917.TEAM (8326)

4. THUNDER FINISH 2-2-1 IN MADISON

The Thunder spent Sunday in Madison, Wisc. where they played various teams from the University of Wisconsin as well as the Milwaukee Wave United, and ended the tournament with a record of 2-2-1.

In game one versus UW Red, rookie Francis Doe scored the only two goals of the game, securing the first win for the team. "We had a great surprise with Francis Doe," said coach Buzz Lagos. "He fit in well with our system and created some great chances."

Game two against UWM Black gave veteran Marco Ferruzzi his one goal of the tournament, and the only goal of the game, when he scored on a free kick. "Marco looked very sharp and fresh for a veteran, and was actually the best player of the tournament," said coach Lagos.

Rookie Aaron Paye also had his moment when in game three he scored his one goal of the tournament against UW White, although it was not enough to win the game which ended in a 1-1 tie.

The Thunder went against Milwaukee Wave United in game four, tying 1-1 thanks to the penalty kick made by veteran Amos Magee.

The final game created the only loss of the day when the Thunder fell to UWM Gold 2-1, although Thunder hopeful Nathan Knox came forward to score the lone goal for the Thunder. "In our one loss we actually dominated a lot," said coach Lagos. "We were disappointed, but in the overall tournament we did very well; four of our six goals were scored by first-year players, and the other two were scored by veterans."

"We played very well," said coach Lagos. "We had solid defense and our goalkeepers didn't give the teams many chances."

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USL First Division Stories from March 30, 2004


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