Sports stats

Thunder earn point in draw

June 11, 2008 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (June 11, 2008)- The Minnesota Lightning tied FC Indiana 1-1 Wednesday night, in a battle to the final whistle. A goal from Caroline Smith in the 29th minute off a set piece kept the Lightning up by one until the 85th minute when FC Indiana came back to tie. The Lightning are now 3-0-1, and still undefeated with 10 points. Minnesota and FC Indiana remain the top two teams in the W-League Midwest Division, and will see each other again in St. Paul on July 6th.

FC Indiana is a brand new team this year, bringing many outstanding players to the league, including a few national team players. They came into the game similar to the Lightning, undefeated and hardly tested. Both teams were excited for the matchup, knowing they would probably be the top two teams at the end of the season.

Both teams tonight had strong offense, testing both goalkeepers strengths. FC Indiana goalkeeper Kristin Luckenbill and Lightning keeper Ann Gleason both haven't gotten consistent playing time in net this season, and were out to fight for starting positions. Luckenbill is one of FC Indiana's former national team players and has earned an Olympic Gold Medal from the 2004 Games. Luckenbill has yet to be scored on this season, and the Lightning was the team to put it past her.

The Lightning scored early in the game after not a lot of attacking in the first part of the half. In the 29th minute, the Lightning earned a free kick. Chelsea Cline sent a perfect ball to Smith who hit a beautiful curling shot to the top far corner of the net over a helpless Luckenbill. This goal was the first time FC Indiana had trailed in a game yet this season.

The Lightning went into the first half confident after playing great defense against a top team. They had scored on their only opportunity in the first half and were determined to make it happen again. The Lightning defended patiently in the second half, trying to keep their lead to capture what could have been a huge win. FC Indiana really put the pressure on in the second half, trying to even it up with the Lightning. After a few unsuccessful attempts, FC Indiana tied it up in the 87th minute.

FC Indiana's leading scorer, Julianne Sitch, scored on a great shot from a through ball by Fatima Leyva. The game was tied at 1-1 with just a few minutes left for either team to pull through. Gleason and Lightning defender Megan Almanzo both had brilliant saves in the 88th minute to keep anything dangerous out of the net. Gleason also had two saves in stoppage time that kept the Lightning in the game, earning them a point on the road at a difficult venue.

The Lightning comes back home to face the Chicago Gaels on June 14 at 4pm. The game will be held at the National Sports Center in Blaine on the exhibition field (U2). This game will be a part of a double header with the Minnesota Thunder, who will kick off at 6pm.



USL First Division Stories from June 11, 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