NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



Thunder Lose Home Opener in a Heartbreaking Loss to Vancouver 3-2

May 2, 2009 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


BLAINE, Minn. - The Minnesota Thunder have yet to put a notch in the win column. They lose their home opener 3-2 to the Vancouver Whitecaps. The last time these two teams faced, it was in the post season and Vancouver won that game as well. Vancouver's Marlon James had an impressive performance scoring three goals. Minnesota's own Ricardo Sanchez also played well scoring three goals. Minnesota continues their month long home stand playing an exhibition game against the Chicago Sockers May 9th.

In the 6th minute, Leonel Saint-Preux had the Thunder's first shot attempt. Platter booted the ball far down the field and Saint-Preux was there to take possession. He sent the ball across the goal but it sailed wide left.

Dyachenko weaved in and out of the Whitecaps defense in the 14th minute. The chance was thwarted by Vancouver's Jeff Parke. A well placed slide tackle was credited for the stop. Thunder's Sanchez took control with a shot but it was deflected off of the knee Bellisomo.

In the 24th minute, Sanchez tried to use some fancy footwork to get around Bellisomo but to no prevail. He stepped back and sent a cross that found the head of Tarley. His attempted failed to find the net.

The 26th minute had a near miss for the Whitecaps. Gage saw an opportunity with Toure. Gage centered the ball directly to Toure who, in turn, headed the ball just right of the goal.

In the 34th minute, the first goal of the game was put in the net. Marlon James saw himself on a breakaway but was tailed by Bass. Bass caught up to James and tried for a tackle but missed. James kept his composure and put it behind Platter.

Martin Nash had another set up for a Vancouver goal. He sent a corner into a sea of people and it was headed on goal. Platter was there to make the stop but could not collect his rebound. Gbeke and James peppered Platter but ultimately the ball was cleared. The Thunder went into the locker room at the end of the half down only one goal.

Sanchez put up the first goal for the Thunder in the 48th minute. Saint-Preux had the ball left of the penalty box and threaded the Whitecaps defense to find Sanchez. Sanchez sent his finesse shot just past Nolly for the equalizing goal.

Bass was carded in the 51st minute when he tripped up Nash ten yards outside the box. The free kick drilled the Thunder wall and recoiled right to Nash and he rifled a shot that missed just right.

Marlon James scored his second goal of the game to reclaim the lead for Vancouver. In the 61st minute, James found himself with a one-on-one with Clements. Clements did everything he could to stop the advance but James took a shot and snuck one by Platter.

Sanchez once again evened up the score for the Thunder in the 69th minute. His play started with him flicking a pass with his heel to Dyachenko. Sanchez went on a give and go, bobbing and darting through the Vancouver defense. Dyachenko passed it back to Sanchez and he broke through the last line of defense. Sanchez then put the ball top shelf and earning himself a second goal of the game.

Leonel Saint- Preux came just short of scoring the go ahead goal for the Thunder. He was on a breakaway in the 75th minute. Nolly came all the way to the top of the box to stop the play. Saint-Preux chipped the ball high and it looked good for the open net. The spin of the ball played against Saint-Preux as it rolled just to the right of the net.

In the 90th minute, Olum tripped up James in the box. James was rewarded with a penalty kick. James took his shot low and to the left but Platter dove to the right. This penalty kick gave Marlon James a hat trick.

Sanchez also wanted a hat trick. In the second period stoppage time, He took a free kick from four yards outside of the penalty box. He wanted this one himself and he went for the goal. He bent a shot around the defense but it hit the post. This was the last chance for Minnesota and they were forced to walk away with a loss.

"We are very disappointed in the result and performance but still believe we have the potential to be at the top the USL1 table," said head coach Donny Gramenz, "The Second half is what we need to build on. I want to say thank you to our supporters and look forward to seeing them against Cleveland on the 16 of May."

Minnesota takes a break from USL play to face Metropolitan Soccer League's Chicago Sockers on May 9th.

For individual tickets, please visit www.ticketmaster.com or for group tickets call the Thunder office at 651.294.4664.

• Discuss this story on the USL First Division message board...

USL First Division Stories from May 2, 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.

Other Recent Minnesota Thunder Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central