Thunder Overcome Early Deficit, Earn 2-1 Overtime Victory, Advance in U.S. Open Cup

Published on May 18, 2003 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


WILDER, KY. (Sunday, May 18, 2003) – Minnesota Thunder forward Johnny Menyongar notched the game-winner in the 109th minute of the second overtime as the Thunder defeated the Cincinnati Riverhawks 2-1 Sunday afternoon at Town and Country Sports Complex in Wilder, Kentucky. With the win the Thunder advanced to the U.S. Open Cup's round of 32.

Thunder forward Johnny Torres scored the equalizer off a header in the 61st minute as the team overcame an early deficit to earn its third-straight victory.

Cincinnati scored first on a breakaway goal from midfielder Marcel Matis in the 14th minute. The series was set-up when forward Byron Carmichael fed Matis at midfield, who carried the ball through the Thunder defense sending a well-placed shot to the lower right corner of the goal past Thunder goalkeeper Joe Warren. Warren made a sliding challenge on Matis, but was unable to stop his shot from 18 yards out.

Although the Thunder held a decisive advantage in shots (7-2) and corner kicks (4-1) in the first half the team was unable to transform its opportunities into goals.

Second half substitute Johnny Torres evened the match at 1-1 in the 61st minute on a header past Riverhawk goalkeeper Matt Reiswerg. Thunder defender Don Gramenz's cross to the far post from outside the 18 connected with Torres who finished with a header.

Thunder forward Johnny Menyongar scored the game-winner in the 109th minute as he and fellow forward Torres combined for a crafty one-two combination. The sequence started when Menyongar received the ball just outside the goal box and immediately played it wide to Torres who crossed the ball back to Menyongar inside the six-yard box where he notched his third goal of the season. Riverhawk goalkeeper Reiswerg's unsuccessful attempt at blocking Torre's cross put him in poor position to defend Menyongar's shot.

Minnesota (12 points) is tied for first place with Cincinnati in the central division, and has a 2-0 advantage in the match-up. The teams will face each other two more times in the regular season with the next match scheduled for Friday, July 11th at the National Sports Center in Blaine.

The Thunder advanced to the U.S. Open Cup's round of 32 for the second consecutive year. In 2002, the Thunder was defeated in the round of 16, losing to the eventual Major League Soccer champion, LA Galaxy.

The Thunder (4-1-0) return to the National Sports Center in Blaine Saturday, May 24 (kickoff 7 p.m. CT) against the Milwaukee Wave United (0-1-0). The cost for general admission is $12 for adults and $8 for youth ages 18 and under. Flex packs, VIP tickets and group discount rates are also available. Tickets can be purchased online at www.mnthunder.com, or by calling the Thunder office at 763-785-3668.

GAME NOTE: Cincinnati defender Jeremie Piette was allowed to play after the Riverhawks appealed a three-game suspension given to Piette for violent conduct against El Paso last weekend.

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USL First Division Stories from May 18, 2003


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