
Thunder announces post-season honors
Published on September 21, 2005 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release
ST. PAUL, Minn. (Wednesday, September 21, 2005) - Godfrey Tenoff, Chad Dombrowski, Nate Knox, and Mike Wilson are the recipients of the Minnesota Thunder's 2005 annual post-season awards, it was announced today.
Tenoff was named the team's COMCAST Most Valuable Player for the first time in his career, while Dombrowski earned TARGET Defender of the Year. Knox captured the BREMER BANK Rookie of the Year and Wilson was named HEALTHPARTNERS Humanitarian of the Year.
Comcast Most Valuable Player Tenoff, from Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, stepped up in his second year with the Thunder and was the only Thunder player to play in all 28 regular season matches where he logged 2,024 minutes and played in all five U.S. Open Cup games. Tenoff was a solid force in the midfield and notched three goals and two assists in the regular season. His leadership both on and off the field warranted this honor. Prior to coming to the Thunder, Tenoff spent three seasons with the A-League Indiana Blast where he was named that team's MVP in 2003.
"Godfrey has become one of the leaders on this team and has helped to bring this midfield to a point where it's one of the top in the country," said head coach Buzz Lagos. "His speed, strength, and athleticism really stand out on the field."
Target Defender to the Year Dombrowski, from Milwaukee, Wis., joined the team late after winning the MISL Championship with the Milwaukee Wave, but was inserted into the starting eleven almost immediately. Dombrowski helped to shore up a defense that gave up several goals early in the season. He was also an asset on set plays where he scored three goals on corner kicks including one against the LA Galaxy in the Open Cup semi-finals.
"Chad was a player we always wanted on the field," said Lagos. "He is a solid defender that know his role in this team and that's to shut down his opponents. Chad did that on a consistent basis."
Bremer Bank Rookie of the Year Knox, from Christchurch, New Zealand, was a late bloomer for the Thunder this year. After playing his entire collegiate career at forward, Knox was inserted into the central defense for the Thunder halfway through the season. He never gave that position back up. He also added one goal and one assist in 2005.
"Knox became a very good defender for us in his first year with the Thunder," said Lagos. "To step up and play a new position on the opposite end of the park, and then to succeed at it, shows you the type of player Nate is."
HealthPartners Humanitarian of the Year The Thunder's reputation as one of Minnesota's hardest working professional sports teams in the community was exemplified by the contributions of second-year New Zealand native, Mike Wilson. Wilson was one of the most popular players in the community with requests for appearances being non-stop throughout the season. Mike's efforts with the non-profit organization Grassroot Soccer have also been outstanding, helping to mobilize the soccer community in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
"Mike is one of the most well-liked and respected players on the Thunder team.'" said Lagos. "He was an integral part of our camp program, had outstanding reviews from his work with the Woodbury soccer club, and provided a positive image for the Thunder throughout the season."
For off-season updates on the Thunder, be sure to visit www.mnthunder.com.
USL First Division Stories from September 21, 2005
- Four teams advance to USL semi's - USL-1
- Thunder announces post-season honors - Minnesota Thunder
- Lynx to host free clinic for coaches - Toronto Lynx
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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