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Thunder Earns Point in Carolina In 0-0 Draw

May 18, 2008 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


ST PAUL, Minn. (May 18, 2008)- The Minnesota Thunder earned one point in a 0-0 with draw against the Carolina Railhawks. After a one hour rain delay, both teams came out strong shutting each other out. The Thunder defense stepped up to stop Carolina strikers Dan Antoinuk and Matt Watson from doing any damage in the Thunder net. This tie bumps the Thunder into a secure third place spot, just one point ahead of the Vancouver Whitecaps.

It was a battle of the goalkeepers tonight, with both team's final line commanding the game. Nic Platter came out strong for the Thunder, earning eight saves. Platter and the Thunder defense stopped the 13 shots that were hammered at them, earning a much deserved shut out from a battle of a game.

After a mediocre showing from the Thunder defense at Friday's game, it looked like a completely different defense against Carolina. In the 35th minute Kevin Friedland saved a dangerous Carolina opportunity from occurring. A Railhawk corner kick was headed by Mauricio Segovia to Jamil Walker. Walker hit the ball over Platter, which looked like a sure Railhawk goal. Friedland stepped up to the line and headed the ball out of danger.

The Thunder's best chance came in the 75th minute when Ricardo Sanchez shot was punched out by Railhawk keeper Chris McClellan. Melvin Tarley attempted to tap it in the goal, but the Railhawk defense was there to save it.

Another solid defensive stop by the Thunder came in the 82nd minute. Santiago Fusilier received a through ball from Cupono Low. Fusilier aimed for the far corner, but Platter cut off the angle and stopped a last minute Railhawk goal.

"It was a good, hard, professional match. I was very pleased with how we managed the game. [In] the second game of a two game road trip all you can ask is give yourselves chances to win and we did that tonight," said Thunder head coach Amos Magee.

The Thunder opens their season at their new home stadium at the National Sports Center in Blaine this Saturday, May 24 against Miami FC. The game is a part of a double header with the Minnesota Lightning, who will open their home season that night. Kick off for the Lightning is at 5:05pm and for the Thunder is 7:35pm.

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