Thunder Draw With Impact 1-1

Published on September 6, 2008 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


MONTREAL, Canada. (September 5, 2008)- The Minnesota Thunder held on to tie the Montreal Impact 1-1 Friday night at Saputo Stadium. Stephen deRoux scored the lone goal for the Thunder in the 21st minute, but a 45th minute penalty kick by Sandro Grande tied both teams up at the half. The Thunder go on to play their last road game of the season against the Vancouver Whitecaps on Sunday, September 7.

The Thunder was coming off a road trip at Miami, where they earned four points from two games. The team was looking to earn a solid six points from this road trip in order to make more progress toward the playoffs. The Thunder signed Eric Reed, goalkeeper for the Cleveland City Stars, until backup goalkeeper Matt VanOekel is healthy.

The game was fairly matched, with both teams sitting in the middle of the First Division standings and needing this important win to advance. The Thunder was the first to score, with a great shot by deRoux. In the 21st minute Thunder captain Jeremiah Bass sent a perfect through ball to deRoux who slotted the ball far post for his first goal of the season.

In the 25th minute, Thunder goalkeeper Nic Platter came up with a big save that kept the Thunder in the lead. After a foul outside the box, Grande lined up to take the free kick. The ball went through the defensive wall the Thunder set up and was saved by Platter. In the 29th minute, the Thunder defense stepped up again. After another save by Platter, Mark Schulte was there to deflect any rebound after a tough shot from the top of the box.

In the 45th minute, the Impact scored to even the game. After a foul inside the penalty box, Montreal was awarded a free kick. Grande stepped up for the Impact, scoring just before halftime.

The Thunder came out strong in the second half, looking to earn the full three points from tonight's game. In the 54th minute Dale Weiler sent a bending ball on net, only to be tipped over by the Impact goalkeeper, Matt Jordan. After Jordan's save, the Thunder was awarded a corner kick. Ricardo Sanchez sent a ball that found Melvin Tarley who shot and hit the crossbar.

John Greenfield saved the Thunder from another goal in the 88th minute. Peter Byers received a ball from the far side and was rushing on net. Greenfield was there to stop the attack and clear the ball out of danger.

Though both teams fought for the win, by the time the whistle blew, they came out with a 1-1 tie. The Thunder came out with one point and is looking forward to the game on Sunday. The Thunder returns home to host the Charleston Battery on September 13 and the Montreal Impact on September 20. For tickets call 651.989.5151 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.

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USL First Division Stories from September 6, 2008


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