Thunder Drops Game on the Road at Rochester 3-1

Published on August 16, 2008 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


ROCHESTER, New York. (August 16, 2008)- The Minnesota Thunder was defeated by the Rochester Rhinos 3-1 Saturday night on the road to advance their record to 7-10-6. The Thunder returns home to host the Carolina Railhawks on August 22 to keep up their home winning streak after a recent win over the Seattle Sounders.

Coming into tonight's game, both teams were 1-1 in the series against each other. In the Thunder's home opener, the Thunder took the 1-0 win, and on July 20 the Rhinos won 1-0. This was the first game of the three game set that was on the road for the Thunder, and they couldn't seem to get the same energy that they've had the last few games.

The Rhinos put the pressure on right away to start the game, getting off about four shots in the first 15 minutes. Thunder goalkeeper Nic Platter held the Thunder through the first half, stopping some hard shots that could have been damaging.

In the 40th minute, the Thunder defense broke down and allowed their first goal of the game. Brian Kallman misdirected a pass, sending it to a rushing Johnny Menyonger who went one on one with Platter and scored. The Thunder went into the half down 1-0, but looking to equalize with 45 minutes left.

The Thunder stepped up their game in the second half, looking to equalize and gain a few points to boost them in the First Division standings. In the 58th minute, Luchi Gonzalez's clearance of the ball was redirected to Luke Kreamalmeyer who sent a ball across the top of the box to Danny Antunez who sent a rocket past Platter for a 2-0 lead.

In the 61st minute, Ricardo Sanchez looked to score yet another goal off a free kick. Sanchez's shot went just wide, giving the Rhinos possession. Melvin Tarley had another shot inside the 18-yard box in the 68th minute that went just left of the goal.

In the 63rd, the Rhinos secured their win with their third goal of the game. Kreamalmeyer scored for the Rhinos, an unassisted goal that put the Rhinos ahead. The Thunder still had time to come back, but would have to really step up their game.

In the 81st minute the Thunder had their best chance in the game. After a shot by Sanchez was blocked, Tarley went into rebound inside the six yard box and couldn't seem to beat the keeper, but putting pressure on the Rhinos to make them worry.

The Thunder got on the board in the 88th minute, with a goal from Tarley. Sanchez sent a ball across the box to Brian Cvilikas who sent a perfect one touch ball to Tarley who found the back of the net just in time to stop a potential Thunder shut out.

"Tonight was obviously a disappointing result against Rochester. The heart and work rate of the team was there and we created some very good chances. We will learn from this match and begin to prepare for our game against Carolina," said interim head coach Donny Gramenz. The Thunder returns back home on August 22 to host the Carolina Railhawks at the National Sports Center. For tickets visit www.ticketmaster.com or call 651-917-TEAM.

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



USL First Division Stories from August 16, 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.

OurSports Central