Tarley expected to be loaned to Real Salt Lake

Published on August 27, 2005 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


ST. PAUL, Minn. -Pending some final paperwork, Thunder forward and Liberian international Melvin Tarley is expected to be loaned to Real Salt Lake (RSL) of Major League Soccer (MLS) for the remainder of the season, it was announced today by Thunder officials. Melvin will join RSL in Washington D.C. on Sunday in preparation for RSL's match against DC United on Wednesday and will miss the Thunder's match against the Richmond Kickers on Sunday.

Tarley, a 22-year old forward, has been an integral part of the Thunder's giant-killing ways in the U.S. Open Cup, scoring two goals against RSL in a 6-4 victory and all four of the Thunder's goals in a 4-1 thrashing of the Colorado Rapids.

As part of the Thunder's agreement with RSL, Tarley will be able to join the Thunder in all remaining U.S. Open Cup matches including the September 14 semi-final match against the L.A. Galaxy at the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA. Should Minnesota advance to the final, Tarley will be available for this match as well.

"We are very proud of the strides Melvin has made as a Thunder player," said Thunder head coach Buzz Lagos. "This is a challenge he has been looking forward to and I know he will make his mark in MLS."

Tarley began his career with the Thunder in 2003 and played just 400 minutes during his first season scoring once in 16 matches. Tarley led the Thunder in 2004 with eight goals and currently is in second place on the Thunder with seven goals in 2005.

In the last two seasons, Tarley has played five matches against MLS teams in the Open Cup tournament. In those matches, Tarley has scored a total of seven goals, a feat no other Thunder player in history can come close to.

The Liberian native was the youngest player in his country's history to make 12 appearances for U-21 National team, a feat he accomplished at the age of 14. In 2002, Tarley recorded 22 goals and 27 assists in 14 games with his amateur team, Alliance FC. One year later, he joined the Thunder, and after an adjustment period, led the Thunder in goals (8) and assists (17) in the 24 games played during his second season with the team.

"Being picked up by Real Salt Lake means a whole lot to me because I have been training to get into the MLS," Tarley said. "I am willing to do what I have been doing with the Minnesota Thunder, which is score goals, and along with my new teammates from RSL, I hope to make playoffs. I am excited and can't wait to play my first game in a Real uniform."

THUNDER HOSTS RICHMOND KICKERS SUNDAY The Thunder (5-9-10, 25 pts.) will host the Richmond Kickers (10-7-8, 38 pts.) who currently sit in fourth place in the USL First Division standings. The Kickers have played well at home, but have struggled on the road, only winning three games in twelve tries.

The Kickers are led offensively by Matthew Delicate who has scored eight goals this season and is tied for fifth place in the league, along with Thunder forward Johnny Menyongar.

The Thunder is still in the playoff hunt with just four games left in the season. The Thunder's only other meeting with Richmond ended in a 3-1 victory for the Kickers in Richmond back on May 21.

Former Thunder forward and current assistant coach Amos Magee will be inducted into the Thunder Hall of Fame during a ceremony at halftime.

For tickets to this match, call 651-917-TEAM or visit www.mnthunder.com

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USL First Division Stories from August 27, 2005


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