Thunder Finishes With a Much Needed Victory over Montreal

July 11, 2009 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


BLAINE, MN - The Minnesota Thunder reminded fans that its season is not yet over despite their frustrating losing streak throughout the 2009 regular season. With only one win to their name, Minnesota was able to add to its lonely one game victory as they upset the Montreal Impact 3-0 Saturday at the National Sports Center.

With a quick goal in the 7th minute, midfielder Carlos Sanchez gave the Thunder an early lead and boost of momentum for the first half. After a foul on Montreal, Sanchez sent the ball into the far right corner of the goal, from 25 yards outs, to secure a 1-0 lead. It wasn't long until the Thunder demonstrated their early momentum boost with another goal by Brian Cvilikas in the 32nd minute. With an assist from Lawrence Olum, Cvilikas lofted the ball passed Montreal's Keeper, Matt Jordan.

Scoring early in the game is not something the Thunder is used to, but may have been just the key to tonight's victory. "The win feels great," Minnesota captain and midfielder Jeremiah Bass said. "The early goal definitely helped give us a boost, but it was the taking care of the many small things in the game that helped get the win."

Montreal made a substitution in the 40th minute, Roberto Brown in for Rocco Placentino, and shortly after, Tony Donatelli in for Joey Gjertsen. Hoping to turn the game around with a fresh set of players, Montreal remained unsuccessful in their attempts to execute a goal throughout the duration of the game. As the halftime whistle blew, Minnesota proudly headed to the locker room with a 2-0 lead.

Minnesota returned to the field with confidence and energy, hoping that their first half momentum would remain throughout the second half. Minnesota's lead seemed to rattle Montreal as Adam Braz received a yellow card after making an unnecessary toss of the ball at Minnesota's newest teammate, Andrei Gotsmanov. Nevio Pizzolitto attempted to argue for his teammate, which resulted in an ejection from the game in the 50th minute, leaving Montreal to finish the game one man short.

As the game proceeded, Minnesota continued to take multiple shots and executed another goal in the 72nd minute from 2nd half substitution, Melvin Tarley. While Montreal had its fair share of shots on goal, Minnesota's Nic Platter was not willing to let one in.

This is the Thunder's second win of the regular season and as the fans were able to finally chant a victory cheer, it was clear that the dynamics and energy at the National Sports Center was a nice change.



USL First Division Stories from July 11, 2009


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