Thunder Give Away Another Draw to Battery with a 1-1 Deadlock

Published on April 24, 2009 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


CHARLESTON, SC (Friday April 24, 2009) - Both teams failed to put their first win on the books tonight. The Minnesota Thunder and the Charleston Battery ended their first match of the season with a 1-1 draw. The Thunder played the majority of the first half with the lead, scoring early in the 6th minute. Leonel Saint-Preux was credited for this goal. In the 38th minute, the Battery's Tsuyoshi Yoshitake answered in kind on a penalty kick. Minnesota wraps up their road games on Sunday against the Carolina Railhawks. They will be returning home on May 2nd.

The offensive force for Charleston was lead by Tsuyoshi Yoshitake. He was the only one to score a goal for the Battery. In fact, Yoshitake's goal was the first of the 2009 season for the team. In their three draws, Charleston has only scored one goal. Minnesota had more of an all around offense but still could only put one ball in the back of the net.

The game started off with a bang. In the 6th minute, Minnesota's own Leonel Saint-Preux put his head on the ball from a corner kick that resulted in the first goal of the game. Sanchez took the corner kick and aimed it perfectly in the center of the box. When Saint-Preux headed it, the ball went straight to the ground and trickled past Hudock. He put got his hands on the ball but not before the ball crossed the line.

In the 14th minute, Battery's Dan Antoniuk sent the ball sailing just over the goal. He took the shot from outside the penalty box but Platter did not have to make an effort to prevent a goal.

Yoshitake took the next shot for Charleston in the 23rd minute. There was a man on him but he had a small window of opportunity and he took it. The shot was low and to the right but a rolling Platter was there to make the save.

In the 38th minute, Charleston scored their first goal of the season. Yoshitake was tripped up inside the 18 yard box and it resulted in a penalty kick. He sent a bullet to the left side of the goal but Platter guessed wrong and dove right.

Nick Platter stopped another Charleston attempt at a goal from Yoshitake in the 53rd minute. Tsuyoshi had the ball and went straight at the defender but instead of making a move he took a shot at the net. He tried to slide the ball low to the far side of the goal. Platter had to drop to the ground to stop this one.

In the 66th minute, the Battery put another ball in the back of the net but it was nullified due to an offsides call. Yoshitake sent a picture perfect cross to Fuller who in turn headed the ball past Platter. Fuller caught Platter leaning but the goal did not count.

The 74th minute saw another close call for Minnesota goalkeeper Nick Platter. Once again, Yoshitake tried to give Charleston the lead. He took an opportunity from a free kick to try and slip one by Platter. Platter was ready for the long shot but his efforts were not needed because the ball flew just over the goal.

Yoshitake had yet another chance for a goal in the 79th minute. He was fed a nice through ball and found himself on a breakaway. Platter came out to address the play and punched away Yoshitake's attempt at a chip shot.

Both teams had chances for a last minute goal in the second half stoppage time but neither of the prevailed.

"It was great to get another point on the road. The guys battled for the full 90," said Donny Gramenz, the Minnesota Thunder head coach, "We can definitely learn from our performance and improve for Sunday's game against Carolina. Tonight and tomorrow are about recovery."

Thunder season tickets are now on sale and can be purchased for as little as $65. Fans can choose from flex ticket options that allow the use of any number of tickets for any game, or fans can choose their specific seat for each and every game. In addition, the Thunder's new Shield Pass allows fans ages 3-18 to attend every single Thunder and Lightning game for just $20 for the season. With over a $200 value, the Shield Pass is the best sports ticket value in the Twin Cities. To purchase season tickets, please visit www.mnthunder.com or call 651.294.4664.

The Thunder's home opener is on Saturday, May 2 against the defending champions, the Vancouver Whitecaps. For tickets visit www.ticketmaster.com.

After the final whistle, the score was 1-1 and both teams earned a point for the draw.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



USL First Division Stories from April 24, 2009


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.

OurSports Central