Thunder in need of three points on Saturday

Published on August 12, 2005 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


ST. PAUL, Minn. (Friday, August 12, 2005)-The Minnesota Thunder (5-8-9, 24 pts.) will host the Portland Timbers (7-7-6, 27 pts.) on Saturday, August 13 at 7:05 p.m. at James Griffin Stadium. The Thunder is in much need of a three-point win with only six games left to make a final push towards the playoffs.

Thunder head coach Buzz Lagos, who is stepping down after the 2005 season, will be inducted into the Thunder Hall of Fame at the beginning of halftime. This match also marks camper reunion night as all Thunder campers are encouraged to use their complimentary ticket they received at camp for admission to the game. There will be an on-field photo at halftime for all players who attended a 2005 Thunder summer soccer camp.

For tickets to this match call 651-917-TEAM or visit www.mnthunder.com.

The Thunder and the Timbers have battled three times this season with all matches ending in draws (April 29, May 7, August 5). Saturday's game will mark the fourth and final match-up of the season between these two teams. Portland currently sits in the sixth and final playoff spot after handing the league-leading Montreal Impact its first home loss of the season by a score of 1-0.

The Timbers are home to Hugo Alcarez-Cuellar who currently leads the league in assists with seven. Although still very dangerous, the Timbers will be missing several key players for Saturday's match. Defenders Scot Thompson and Gavin Wilkinson will not be available as well as midfielder Tom Poltl. On the flipside, the Thunder is completely healthy, with the whole squad practicing at full-speed on Friday.

Fan Bus Secured for Kansas City Open Cup Match The Minnesota Thunder have organized a fan bus for anybody interested in cheering on the Thunder on the road against the Kansas City Wizards of Major League Soccer in the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open Cup tournament on Wednesday, August 24.

For only $60 fans will get roundtrip transportation on a 47 passenger coach bus and a ticket to the 7 p.m. match that will be held at Park University's Julian Field in Parkville, MO.

The bus will leave on the morning of Aug. 24 at 9:30 a.m. from the Kelly Inn in St. Paul. The estimated arrival time in Kansas City will be 4 p.m., giving fans plenty of time to tailgate and grab some food before the game. The bus will depart for the Twin Cities immediately following the game.

At least 40 people must commit to riding the bus before August 19 in order for the bus to operate. For anybody interested, please call the Thunder office at 651-917-TEAM and ask to speak with Chris Kokalis.

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



USL First Division Stories from August 12, 2005


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