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Thunder Kicks Off 2007 Campaign Friday Live On Fox Soccer Channel

April 19, 2007 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


ST. PAUL, Minn (Thursday, April 19, 2007) - The Minnesota Thunder will officially begin the 2007 season this weekend with back-to-back road games. On Friday, April 20 the Thunder will take on the Charleston Battery at 7 p.m. at Blackbaud Stadium. The game will be broadcast LIVE on Fox Soccer Channel and the Thunder is hosting a watch party at the Sweetwater Grill located at the Kelly Inn in St. Paul, the teams host hotel.

The Thunder will then face the Carolina Railhawks at 6:30 p.m. at SAS Soccer Stadium on Saturday, April 21.

About the Thunder

Minnesota hopes to make noise in 2007 after finishing with a record of 7-15-6 a year ago. Head coach Amos Magee has nearly an entire new roster to work with and high hopes of a successful year. A combination of new offensive players such as Keisuke Ota and Rodrigo Hidalgo combined with defenders like Kevin Taylor and Jonathan Greenfield are expected to boost the Thunder on both ends of the field. Veterans Freddy Juarez, Kevin Friedland and Godfrey Tenoff all return, as well as long-time goalkeeper Joe Warren.

However, The Thunder will be without several players for their first road trip with injuries and absences of Jeremiah Bass (groin), Alfredo Esteves (ankle), and Keisuke Ota (arrived late to US, VISA issues), and Jon Greenfield (MISL Final).

About the Battery

Charleston finished the 2006 season standing in third place in the USL First Division with a record of 13-8-7. The Battery are in need of new scoring options this year, as its two top scorers from last year, Ben Hollingsworth and Gavin Glinton, are no longer with the team. Charleston does return goalkeeper Dusty Hudock, who posted a goals against average of 0.87 in 26 games a season ago.

2006 Season Series

The Thunder faced Charleston twice last season, posting a record of 0-1-1. The two teams tied 2-2 on July 1 in Charleston, while the Battery defeated the Thunder 1-0 on July 27 at the National Sports Center in Blaine.

About the RailHawks

Carolina is in its first season as a USL First Division expansion club, and will play its inaugural game against the Thunder on Saturday. Former Thunder defender Chad Dombrowski is one of the more experienced players on the RailHawks roster. Carolina opens up the season favorably, with three consecutive home games spaced a week apart.

Up Next

The Thunder will play its third consecutive road game next Friday in taking on the Atlanta Silverbacks on April 27 at 7 p.m. at Silverbacks Stadium.

Minnesota will host its home opener on May 6 at James Griffin Stadium against the Vancouver Whitecaps. Kickoff is set for 5:05 p.m. The opener is FREE and open to the public. For more information, call 651.917.TEAM or visit www.mnthunder.com

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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.

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