Thunder Approach Record Crowd For Sundays Home Opener at Metrodome

Published on May 2, 2003 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


BLAINE, Minn. (Friday, May 2, 2003) – The Minnesota Thunder announced today the team is approaching a record crowd for its home opener this Sunday, May 4th at the Metrodome (kickoff 5 p.m.). It will be the first time in the 13-year history of the Thunder that the team will play a match in the Metrodome.

"This is exactly what we were hoping for when we scheduled our home opener at the Metrodome," said TJ Varecka, Thunder director of sales and marketing. "A big crowd on Sunday will set the tone for the season.

The Thunder's A-League regular-season record is 8,630 set in 1999. Its A-League playoff record attendance came in October 1999 when the Thunder defeated Rochester in the A-League final in front of 9,987. The Thunder's all-time attendance record is 15,412 set in 1997, a 3-2 exhibition shootout loss to the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer.

Varecka is encouraging fans without tickets to arrive early as a strong walk-up crowd is expected. The Thunder will have a live Mariachi band outside the two entrance gates (gate H and F).

CINCINNATI COMING OFF STRONG START

The Thunder opened its A-League regular season schedule last weekend with a two-game series at El Paso. After opening with a 1-0 victory on Friday, the Thunder lost a 2-1 decision Sunday evening. Forwards Marshall Morehead and Johnny Menyongar recorded their first goals of the season during the weekend set. The team looks to return to winning form Sunday at the Metrodome against division rival Cincinnati.

Sunday's game doubles as a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open match. It is the first of a two-game total goals series with Cincinnati. The U.S. Open Cup is the oldest annual tournament in U.S. sports history, dating back to 1914.

Cincinnati finished the 2002 season in third-place in the central division with an 8-20-0 overall record. The team welcomed the return of its all-time leading scorer Craig Yacks, who rejoined the team for the final eight games of the season after playing in El Paso since 2001.

During the off-season the Riverhawks made a number of roster changes, including the re-signing of Philippe Godoy, who spent the previous two seasons with Milwaukee (2001) and Atlanta (2002). Godoy was an All-A-League Team selection with Milwaukee.

The Riverhawks opened its 2003 A-League schedule with a 3-2 loss at Virginia Beach. The team recorded its first victory the following day beating Charlotte 1-0 on the road. The team's home opener is scheduled for Friday night against Indiana.

Tickets are still available for Sunday's match, and can be purchased by calling the Thunder ticket office at 763-785-3668, or through the Thunder website at www.mnthunder.com. Tickets are priced at $15 for VIP reserved, $12 for adult general admission and $8 for youth 18 and under.

The Minnesota Thunder, founded in 1990, is a professional soccer franchise that plays in the Western Conference of the 19-team A-League. The Thunder's home schedule runs May through September at the National Sports Center in Blaine. Information on single-game and season tickets, as well as youth camps, can be found on the team's website www.mnthunder.com or by calling 763-785-3668.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



USL First Division Stories from May 2, 2003


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.

OurSports Central