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Thunder battles Seattle at home Saturday

June 21, 2006 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


ST. PAUL, Minn. (Tuesday, June 20, 2006) - The Minnesota Thunder will host its sixth consecutive home game on Saturday, June 24 and look to snap a two game losing streak in a match-up against the Seattle Sounders. Kickoff is set for 6:05 p.m. at James Griffin Stadium. For tickets, call 651.917.TEAM or visit www.mnthunder.com.

Every child in attendance will receive a Wisconsin Dells Kids Card. The card gives children aged 12 and under FREE admission to 32 different attractions at Wisconsin Dells.

About the Thunder

The Thunder (2-6-2, 8 points) lost their second consecutive game last Saturday, falling 2-1 to the Virginia Beach Mariners at the National Sports Center in Blaine. Defenders connected for the Thunder's only goal, as Dustin Branan assisted Chad Dombrowski. Forward Melvin Tarley is the Thunder's scoring leader with three goals and two assists for eight points. Injured forward Nathan Knox (hamstring) is second with six points, despite missing the Thunder's last three games.

About Seattle

The Sounders (2-7-3, 9 points) currently are one point ahead of the Thunder and tied for ninth place in the USL First Division standings. On Sunday, Seattle scored three goals for its season-high, but fell 5-3 to Miami FC. Romario scored a hat trick in the game for Miami. Seattle is on a five-game losing streak, with its last victory coming on May 27 over the Vancouver Whitecaps in Seattle. Saturday's game against the Thunder is the seventh straight road game for the Sounders. Forward William Weaver leads the team with five goals and one assist.

The Series

The Thunder and Sounders have already played each other twice this season, with Minnesota posting a 1-0-1 record against Seattle. The Thunder won 4-0 in their season-opener on April 23, but tied Seattle 1-1 on May 13 on the road. After Saturday, the two teams will match up one more time this season, on August 25 in Seattle.

Up Next

The Thunder will next host the second round of the 2006 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday, June 28. Last season, the Thunder had the most successful run in franchise history in the Open Cup, defeating three MLS teams en route to the semifinals. This year, the Thunder will face the Des Moines Menace. The Menace defeated the Region III Croation Eagles 4-1 in the Qualifying Round, and then beat the Dallas Mustang Legends 3-2. Kickoff on June 28 is set for 7:05 p.m. at James Griffin Stadium.

Should the Thunder win, they will travel to Kansas City to take on the Wizards where they beat them 3-1 in last year's Open Cup Quarterfinal Matchup. For ticket information, visit www.mnthunder.com or call 651.917.TEAM.

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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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