FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THUNDER LOOKS TO RETURN TO OPEN CUP GLORY ON
TUESDAY
All Thunder fans can take advantage of "Buy one, get one free" general
admission tickets
ST.
PAUL,
Minn. (Monday, June
11, 2007)
- The Thunder will look to beat El Paso Indios USA (NPSL) at James Griffin Stadium
on Tuesday, June 12 and advance to the second round of the US Open Cup. Kick off is set for 7:05
p.m. Should the Thunder be victorious, they will host
the winner of the game between the California Victory and the BYU Cougars on June 26
at James Griffin Stadium.
The Thunder is looking to get off
to a better start this season than they did in Open Cup action in 2006. Last season, the Thunder dropped their first
match of the tournament to the Des Moines Menace 1-0. The Thunder has had great success in the Open Cup in recent years
beating three Major League Soccer teams and making it to the Semi-Finals in
2005.
The Thunder is offering "Buy one,
get one free" general admission tickets for this match. This offer is available at the gate, or by calling 651.917.TEAM. All tickets purchased through this offer must be
used on the day of the game.
About
the Thunder
Minnesota
(1-6-4, 7 points) is coming off a west coast road trip in which they picked up one
point in two games. On Saturday, Thunder
goalkeeper Nic Platter picked up his first shutout of the season against the
California Victory in a 0-0 tie, facing 18 shots.
Aaron Paye appeared to be a nuisance for the Victory all night, but couldn't
seem to put the ball in the net. On Sunday,
the Thunder dropped a game in Vancouver 0-1.
The Thunder had very few scoring opportunities all night, and although
Platter made several key saves, Whitecaps striker Tony Donatelli put one past him in
the 75th minute for the only goal of the night.
About
El Paso
El Paso
Indios is an amateur team playing in the NPSL.
They are off to a fast start (4-0-1) and are currently sitting in first place
in the Southwest Conference. They are coming
off their recent Region 4 tournament victory in which they qualified for the US Open
Cup. Indios USA coach Mitch Doblado is
hopeful, but realistic about his team's chances against the USL First Division
Thunder. 'It will mean a lot to our young league
and new program to be able to succeed to the next round. We know we are viewed as
the underdogs but will give it all we have.'
About
the US Open Cup
The US Open
Cup is an annual inter-league tournament entering its 94th year, making
it the country's oldest soccer tournament.
Qualifying is open to all affiliated amateur and professional soccer clubs in
the country including the top teams from the MLS and the USL among other
leagues. In 2005, the Thunder made it all
the way to the semi-finals, defeating three MLS teams on the way and eventually
losing to the LA Galaxy.
Up
Next
The Thunder
and Lightning will be combining for their second double-header of the season on
Saturday, June 16 at the National Sports Center in Blaine. The Lightning kickoff against the Fort Wayne Fever at 5:05 p.m. before the Thunder's match against Miami FC at
7:35 p.m.
Only one ticket is needed for both games.
For more information, visit www.mnthunder.com or call 651.917.TEAM
