Sports stats



Thunder Continues Winning Streak With 1-0 Victory Over Montreal

May 10, 2008 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


ST PAUL, Minn. (May 10, 2008)- The Minnesota Thunder secured their third consecutive victory against the Montreal Impact Saturday night. A 91st minute goal by Melvin Tarley put the Thunder just up as the game ended. The Thunder are now 3-1-0 and have a secure second place spot in the USL First Division standings.

Throughout the game, both teams put up good fights, but it was the Thunder who earned their third consecutive shutout as well as win. Goalkeeper Nic Platter came out strong tonight, even after fighting an injury in the last minutes of the game. Platter made a few key saves that kept the Thunder in the game.

The Thunder put the pressure on early in the game, with Aaron Paye attempting his first shot in the 4th minute of the game. Midfielder Dayton O'Brien had a solid game, running the sidelines and attempting crosses to the strikers.

The first test the Thunder defense had came in the 29th minute. Charles Gbeke leaked through the defense and hit a dangerous shot to the low corner. Platter was there to stop it and gave the Thunder possession.

The weather wasn't on either team's side tonight. With a high of 45 and pouring rain, both teams struggled with consistent possession. Striker Alen Marcina was caught offside a few times, but the Thunder kept the pressure on.

Platter came out strong again in the 59th minute when Gbeke fed Severino Jefferson who shot low towards Platter who hit the ball over the goal, saving a very dangerous opportunity for the Impact.

New substitutions for both teams provided for strong competition in the second half. With both teams using four subs, they all had some fresh legs in the game to keep the momentum going and get a goal. It wasn't until the 91st minute that the Thunder came ahead.

Tarley scored the game winning goal for the Thunder in the 91st minute, securing the Thunder's third victory in four games. Stephen deRoux took a throw in, looking for Freddy Moojen. Moojen beat his player and crossed to Tarley who slipped the ball into the back of the net nicely for the Thunder. The Impact put the pressure on, earning two corner kicks, but the Thunder held them off, securing another win.

The Thunder go on a two game road trip to play the Atlanta Silverbacks and the Carolina Railhawks on May 16 and 18, respectively. The Thunder's next home game will be held at the National Sports Center in Blaine against Miami FC in a double header with the Minnesota Lightning. Season tickets are currently on sale by visiting www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 651.989.5151.

• Discuss this story on the USL First Division message board...

USL First Division Stories from May 10, 2008


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.

Other Recent Minnesota Thunder Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central