Thunder hires MannyLagos as Director of Soccer Operations

Published on January 12, 2006 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


ST. PAUL, Minn. (Thursday, January 12, 2006) -- The Minnesota Thunder professional soccer team announced today the hiring of Minnesota native Manuel (Manny) Lagos as its Director of Soccer Operations. Lagos will bring experience and knowledge based on a career playing at the highest levels both in the US and internationally. In addition to front office duties, the former US Olympian, Major League Soccer standout and three-time MLS Cup Champion, will be overseeing several new youth training programs under the Thunder umbrella and will be an integral part of the Thunder's summer soccer camp coaching staff.

"We're excited to have Manny back in the Thunder fold and have created opportunities for aspiring soccer players to learn the game from one of the top players, professionals, and positive role models to have come out of Minnesota," said Djorn Buchholz, general manager of the Thunder. "We have made a promise to the soccer community to bring the Minnesota soccer people back to the Thunder; this is another major step in fulfilling that promise."

Lagos will work with Thunder head coach Amos Magee and will assist in various player personnel decisions in conjunction with Magee and Buchholz.

"Manny has reached heights that few soccer players in our country ever have and I'm thrilled to have him as a part of our staff," said Magee.

Lagos will be using his skills to teach the game of soccer to young players. As one of the top two most accomplished players to come out of Minnesota, Lagos will have a large coaching roll in the Thunder's summer soccer day camps, located in over 35 locations throughout the Twin Cities, and is anticipated to make coaching appearances at all camps.

In addition, Lagos has created the "Lagos Signature Soccer Series" that will consist of a youth training program for ages ten and up during the winter and spring months. This program will be very individualized with a maximum of 15 kids per session. The first session will begin in early February, 2006 at Soccer Blast in Burnsville, the official training facility of the Thunder. Registrations are currently being accepted. For information, call Soccer Blast at 952-895-1962.

Lagos has also created a new twist on teaching soccer during the summer months through corporate clinics. In an effort to add value to current Thunder sponsors, Lagos will launch a program that will bring a one to five day soccer clinic on site at a corporation for children of employees. These clinics will give parents an opportunity to bring their child to work to participate in the clinic with Lagos and other Thunder players. There will be a break around the lunch hour, giving parents an opportunity to each lunch with their children before sending them back for the second half of the clinic.

"I am thrilled to be returning to Minnesota and to be helping the Thunder continue to grow and establish itself as a premier soccer organization," said Lagos. "On a personal note, I am happy to carry on my father's commitment and passion for the promotion of soccer in Minnesota."

Lagos, a midfielder, retired from playing in 2005 after a 14-year professional soccer career. Lagos played six seasons with the Thunder and was A-League Player of the Year in 1994. In 10 seasons in MLS, Lagos won 3 MLS Cups and was an MLS All Star.

Lagos was a member of both the United States Men's National Team and the 1992 Barcelona Olympic team.

The Minnesota Thunder, founded in 1990, is a professional soccer franchise that plays in the 12-team United Soccer Leagues First Division. The Thunder is considered one of the top pro teams in the country, advancing to the league finals in seven of the last 12 years, winning the championship in 1999. The Thunder's home schedule runs April through September at James Griffin Stadium in St. Paul (I-94/Lexington Pkwy). Information on single-game and season tickets, as well as youth camps and academies, can be found on the team's website www.mnthunder.com or by calling (651) 917-TEAM (8326).

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