Sports stats



Thunder Drops Season Opener to Timbers 1-2

April 24, 2008 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


ST PAUL, Minn (April 24, 2008)- The Minnesota Thunder opened up their 2008 season against the Portland Timbers on Thursday night. Although putting up a good effort, the Thunder dropped their first game 2-1, with their only goal coming from Aaron Paye in the first half.

Early on in the game, Portland's offense capitalized on an offensive opportunity, when Chris Brown received a pass from Tom Dombrowski and scored a goal from the top of the box in the 9th minute of the game, giving the Portland Timbers a 1-0 lead.

The Thunder responded to the Timber's goal in the 41st minute, when forward Aaron Paye sent a ball to the back of the net. In a three-pass sequence, Stephen deRoux sent the ball to Sanchez, who crossed it past the face of the goal for Paye to one-touch it into the net. The Timbers have not allowed a goal in their home net since early July of 2007.

The game stayed at 1-1 for the rest of the first half, with both teams having equal possession and several scoring opportunities. Amos Magee, head coach for the Thunder, said, "[During] the middle 50-60 minutes, I thought we were outstanding."

In the 65th minute, Andrew Gregor crossed the ball from the right side of the field across the face of the goal, and Shaun Higgins came from the left to put it in the bottom right corner of the net, giving the Timbers back the lead 2-1.

The Thunder's defense recovered well and kept the Timbers from capitalizing on any other chances to produce a goal.

In the 71st minute, a Timber defender sent a long ball to Brown, sending him on a breakaway past Thunder keeper Nic Platter. Defender Kevin Taylor recovered to the net, just in time to deflect a potential Timber goal. Dombrowski collected the cleared ball and attempted another shot, but Kevin Freedland anticipated the shot and neutralized it with a header, clearing it back to midfield.

"I thought we played really well for our first game for a group that hasn't been together that long. There are still a lot of things to work out, but it's the first game and we're very encouraged," said Magee.

The Minnesota Thunder will open its home season on Sunday, May 4 at James Griffin Stadium against the Rochester Raging Rhinos at 5:05 p.m. 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 April 24, 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