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Thunder apparently strikes thrice, just ask Calgary

July 15, 2004 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


Minneapolis, MN- Thunder head coach Buzz Lagos earned his 300th career victory Thursday night as the Minnesota Thunder defeated the visiting Calgary Mustangs in St. Paul. The Thunder got a goal each from Kevin Friedland, Dustin Branan, and Melvin Tarley, while Joe Warren notched his 11th shutout of the season in securing the win.

"I was surprised I was even close. It's amazing to think how the club has come along in all these years and the number of victory's we've had," said Lagos of his milestone win, "But, it's really a reflection of our outstanding organization and the players we've had."

With the win Lagos overall record improves to 300 total wins, 127 losses, and 31 ties.

The Thunder controlled every aspect of the Thursday night's game, improving their season record to 9-4-3 (W-L-D). The win gives the Thunder sole possession of second place moving ahead of the Portland Timbers, who play Saturday evening. The Thunder are now two points behind the Western Conference leading Vancouver Whitecaps.

"It was an important game for us," said coach Lagos "First of all, getting us three more points keeps us right in the hunt behind Vancouver. The win gets us closer and closer to earning that playoff spot."

The Thunder opened scoring early in the 14th minute when Chris Brunt drove a long diagonal ball from the right side of the field into the goal box. Midfielder Kevin Friedland cut through the box, in front of his defender and headed the ball past the charging Calgary goalkeeper Lutz Pfannenstiel to give the Thunder the early 1-0 lead.

The Thunder struck again in the 21st minute when they earned a corner kick. Jeff Matteo sent a curling ball into the center of the goal box and Dustin Branan easily out-jumped his man to head the ball into the back of the net past the helpless Pfannenstiel.

"Brunty [Thunder defender Chris Brunt] played the ball long and that's something he does a lot. I just kind of fooled the defender and I know how to get in front of the goalkeeper.. and I was due," said Friedland with a laugh.

The Thunder easily knocked the ball around the lackluster Calgary side and had numerous other chances to score as they out-shot Calgary 9-1 in the first half.

The second half saw much of the same as the Thunder dominated play and created chance after chance on goal.

The Thunder were rewarded with their third goal of the game in the 56th minute when forward Johnny Meyongar brought down a long ball just outside the Calgary goal box. He played his second touch over the Calgary defense to Melvin Tarley who lofted the ball over the charging Pfannenstiel into the far right corner of the goal.

"It's a good result for us. We dominated the game, controlled it, defended really well and we deserved to win. And now we're all set to get serious about another game coming up next Tuesday versus the L.A. Galaxy," said Lagos.

The Thunder face the Los Angeles Galaxy this upcoming Tuesday (July 20) at 7 p.m. in the Metrdome. The Galaxy have the best record in Major League Soccer and are one of the more lethal offensive teams, having scored 32 goals in only 17 games. The Galaxy are led by U.S. National Team stars Cobi Jones and Jovan Kirvoski and MLS goal scoring leader Carlos Ruiz.

"We know the Galaxy's a great team and to knock them off would be an upset. But, we think we can do it. We think we're a good side, we're going to really battle them. When the whistle blows it's 0-0. We'll see what we can do," said Lagos.

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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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