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Thunder Drops Match in Seattle 3-1

June 8, 2008 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


Seattle, WASH. (June 7, 2008)-The Minnesota Thunder dropped their 10th league game on the road to the Seattle Sounders 3-1. After a rough match played by both teams, it was the Sounders who were able to capitalize on their dangerous opportunities and secure the three points the Thunder needed. The Thunder stay in fourth place in the First Division standings with their record of 4-4-2 and Seattle jumps up to tying for third with the Portland Timbers. The Thunder was coming off a tough battle against the Timbers Thursday night, ending in a 0-0 draw. The Thunder hadn't scored a goal before tonight since May 24 against Miami FC. Minnesota was looking to earn some pride back and finally finish on the dangerous opportunities they put on the field.

Both teams presented new starting lineups, making for an interesting match on both ends. Both Minnesota and Seattle teams suffered from injuries this week and had to rely on different strong players to play their hardest tonight. The game started off in the Sounder's favor, with the pressure mostly in the Thunder defensive third. It wasn't until the 27th minute that the Thunder had their first opportunity on goal. Defender Andres Arango took a shot that was barely saved by Sounder goalkeeper Chris Eyelander, who hit it out of bounds, earning the Thunder a corner kick.

The yellow cards started flying in the middle of the second half, with three players receiving them before the 39th minute. Minnesota got into foul trouble, receiving 19 fouls in tonight's match.

The second half was when the pressure from the Thunder started to kick in. Although the last game they scored in was on May 24, the Thunder was determined to find the back of the net and earn the three points they needed. Stephen deRoux had a strong game for the Thunder, starting at midfield instead of his regular position at defense. deRoux's pressure down the sideline helped the Thunder keep the ball spread across the field and into Seattle territory.

Although the statistics don't show it, Nic Platter came out with a few key saves throughout the game. In the 53rd minute Leighton O'Brien struck a ball on target that Platter got a hand on and tipped over. In the 55th minute, Seattle broke down the Thunder defense. Platter got blasted with a shot on the left side, only to deflect it to a Sounder striker, Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar. Alcaraz-Cuellar hit the ball in an almost open net, giving the Sounder's their first goal of the game.

In the 75th minute, Arango fouled in the penalty box, earning the Sounders a penalty kick. O'Brien set up for the kick and hit the ball just barely in the right side of the net. The Sounders were up 2-0, and the Thunder had some catching up to do in order to stay in the game.

Just three minutes later, the Sounders secured the win with their third goal of the game. Sebastian Le Toux, a Copa Minnesota guest last November, scored the final goal for the Sounders in the 78th minute. Josh Gardner started the play on a corner kick, hitting the ball towards the far post where he found Le Toux. Le Toux sent a ball hard into the back right corner, securing the win for the Sounders.

The Thunder was not about to be shut out again, after going a few games without scoring. Aaron Paye sent a ball to Alen Marcina who took off on a breakaway during stoppage time. Marcina hit the ball far post, finally finding the back of the net and saving themselves from being shut out.

The Thunder returns to Minnesota to host the Atlanta Silverbacks on June 14 at the exhibition field at the National Sports Center in Blaine at 6:05pm. The game will be a double header with the Minnesota Lightning, who will host the Chicago Gaels at 4:05pm on the same field.



USL First Division Stories from June 8, 2008


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