Thunder Make Playoff Statement with 4-0 Battering of Charleston

Published on September 13, 2008 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


BLAINE, MN - The Minnesota Thunder advanced toward this year's playoffs with an important 4-0 win tonight over the Charleston Battery. The Thunder scored three of their four goals in the second half, and earned the three points needed to push their way toward playoffs. The Thunder host their last regular season home game September 20 against the Montreal Impact.

The Thunder dominated the game from the beginning, controlling possession for most of the first half. Both teams priority was more on controlling the ball in the rainy conditions than on a strong offensive attack. Most offensive opportunities by the Thunder were headed out of the box by Ian Fuller, until late in the first half.

In the 44th minute, the Thunder picked up their game and scored. Nathan Knox, a newly acquired player from Atlanta, had the unassisted goal for the Thunder. Knox collected the ball at the top of the box, kept persisting past a defender, and after a high bounce found the back of the net for a 1-0 lead going into halftime.

In the second half, the Thunder came out looking to advance their lead right away. John Greenfield sent a ball to Melvin Tarley in the 49th minute that seemed to secure the win for the Thunder. Tarley collected the ball, went one on one with the goalkeeper who he chipped it over to make the score 2-0. The Thunder showed the determination they need to make the playoffs this year, after two consecutive years of not qualifying.

The Battery's best chance came in the 63rd minute where the Thunder had a goal scare. Louie Rolko took a free kick from the right side that found David Kenga who redirected the ball, heading it into the net. The shot was called offside, and the Thunder regained possession.

Tension was high at the National Sports Center, as the Thunder battled to keep the momentum up and hold on to their lead. In the 83rd minute Luchi Gonzalez set Tarley up for his second goal of the game, his tenth of the season. Gonzalez battled the tackle and found Tarley on the opposite side of the box. Tarley slipped another shot in, making it 3-0.

Nic Platter earned his second consecutive shut out, seventh overall this season in tonight's win with four saves that kept the Thunder out of danger. The final one came in the 84th minute, just after the Thunder's third goal. Platter comes out of this game tied for second in saves in the First Division league.

In the 89th minute, the Thunder scored their fourth and final goal. Both new subs to the game in the 86th and 88th minute, Tighe Dombrowski and Freddy Moojen, respectively set up the last goal in tonight's game. Dombrowski took a free kick on the left side of the goal, finding the head of Moojen who dipped into space and put it away. The Thunder held off the Battery into stoppage time and secured three points to push them toward playoffs.

"The guys had a fantastic result with scoring four goals and earning a shutout against a quality team. The men kept their shape tactically and patiently put away the chances they created. Now we start preparing and focusing on Montreal next Saturday," said interim head coach Donny Gramenz.

Purchase tickets now for the Thunder's final regular season home game on Saturday, September 20. The Thunder is teaming up with Rock the Cure for their first annual Breast Cancer Awareness game to raise money for breast cancer non-profits. To purchase a special ticket/t-shirt package for only $20. To purchase single game tickets visit www.ticketmaster.com or call 651.989.5151.

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USL First Division Stories from September 13, 2008


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