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Thunder at home tonight, host doubleheader Saturday

June 15, 2006 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


ST. PAUL, Minn. (Thursday, June 15, 2006) - After a Minnesota Thunder match tonight against the Portland Timbers at James Griffin Stadium at 7:05 p.m., the Thunder and Minnesota Lightning will play the second and final doubleheader of the season on Saturday, June 17 at the National Sports Center in Blaine.

For tonight's match, the Thunder will have Woodbury native Sasha Gotsmanov available as the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer have loaned the forward to the Thunder through July 4.

"We're excited to get Gotsmanov in here for the next three weeks to help boost our offensive production," said Thunder general manager Djorn Buchholz. "With the injury to Nate Knox, Sasha will be able to fill in and should get us some goals."

On Saturday the Lightning will host the Michigan Hawks at 5:05 p.m., with the Thunder scheduled to kickoff against the Virginia Beach Mariners at 7:35 p.m. Admission to both games is granted with the price of a Thunder ticket. For ticket information, visit www.mnthunder.com or call 651.917.TEAM.

The first 1,000 youth soccer players in the gates for the Lightning game will receive a free Minnesota Youth Soccer Association maraca.

Haig Named to U.S. Under-20 Final Roster

Lightning goalkeeper Joanna Haig was recently named to the U.S. Under-20 Women's National Team roster for the 2006 FIFA Under-20 Women's World Championship from August 17- September 3 in Russia. Haig, an Inver Grove Heights, Minn. native, has started and played in two games for the Lightning this season, both wins.

About the Thunder

The Thunder (2-4-2, 8 points) host the Portland Timbers on Thursday, June 15 at 7:05 p.m. at James Griffin Stadium, and will have to recover quickly for Saturday's game against the Mariners. Minnesota won its second game of the season last Sunday, dominating Miami FC in a 4-1 victory. Forward Melvin Tarley led the attack with two goals and one assist. Tarley and Freddy Juarez were both named to the USL First Division Team of the Week. Midfielders Godfrey Tenoff and Freddy Juarez scored the Thunder's other goals. Thunder head coach Amos Magee said that midfielder Kevin Friedland will likely be back in the lineup after being held out of the match on Sunday with a groin injury. Forward Nathan Knox is doubtful to play Thursday because of a hamstring injury.

About Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach (3-1-4, 13 points) currently sits tied with Miami FC for sixth place in the USL First Division standings. The Mariners will be hosting the Vancouver Whitecaps on Thursday, June 15 before traveling to Minnesota to take on the Thunder. Virginia Beach has struggled offensively this season, being shut out in four of eight games. Forward Gregory Simmonds has been the Mariner's primary source of offense, scoring four of the team's six goals. Goalkeeper Matthew Nelson has a goals against average of 0.625, starting in all eight games.

Last Season's Series

The Thunder went undefeated against the Mariners in two games played in 2005. On May 20, the two teams tied 2-2 at Virginia Beach Sportsplex, and on July 28 the Thunder won 3-1 at James Griffin Stadium. After Saturday's match, the Thunder will play the Mariners again on June 30 in Virginia Beach.

About the Lightning

The Lightning (3-1, 9 points) currently are third in the Midwest Division of the W-League, despite playing two less matches than first-place Chicago. Minnesota is coming off of an important 3-2 victory over the Cleveland Internationals on June 7 after losing to the Internationals on June 4. Holly Gault, Emily Redberg and Caroline Smith are leading the Lightning attack so for, each with three goals and an assist for seven points.

About the Hawks

Michigan (4-1, 12 points) sits one spot above the Lightning for second place in the Midwest Division standings of the W-League. The Hawks only defeat was a 3-2 loss to the Chicago Gaels on June 3. Forward Kristi Swaving leads Michigan with eight goals and 17 points, including four scored on June 10 against the Fort Wayne Fever Women.

Up Next

After Sunday, the Thunder will host two more games at James Griffin Stadium before playing three consecutive road games. On Saturday, June 24, Minnesota will face the Seattle Sounders at 6:05 p.m. The Thunder will also be hosting a U.S. Open Cup game on Wednesday, June 28 at 7:05 p.m. against the Des Moines Menace.

The Lightning's next home game is on Wednesday, June 21 against the first-place Chicago Gaels. Kickoff is set for 7:05 p.m. at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium on the University of Minnesota St. Paul campus. For ticket information for any of these games, visit www.mnthunder.com or call 651.917.TEAM.




USL First Division Stories from June 15, 2006


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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