Thunder P.L.U.S. Passback program continues

Published on August 19, 2004 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


ST. PAUL, Minn. (Thursday, August 19, 2004) - The non-profit arm of the Minnesota Thunder, Thunder P.L.U.S., and the U.S. Soccer Foundation continues to collect new and gently used soccer equipment through August for underserved youth both locally and internationally.

75 percent of the equipment collected is given to children in the Twin Cities area, however Thunder P.L.U.S. is also helping international children through the Zambian Children's Fund and through the work of former Thunder player Dionysius Sebwe, who is stationed in Iraq. Sebwe is stationed with the Delta/Dakota Battery 4-5 Air Defense Artillery at the Baghdad International Airport and has joined with Thunder P.L.U.S. to help bring soccer equipment to Iraqi children.

"This war is not only fought with guns," said Sebwe, "we're helping to break down barriers and build relationships with the Iraqi children by supporting their love of soccer."

Equipment can be dropped off in collection bins at any metro-area Bremer Bank location through the end of August. Visit www.bremer.com for branch locations.

Although the Passback program has focused primarily on the month of August, Thunder P.L.U.S. will continue to collect soccer equipment throughout the year. Those wishing to donate equipment after August may contact Thunder P.L.U.S. directly by emailing Ryan McGary at ryan@mnthunder-plus.org. Additionally, those who know of a group or organization that would benefit from receiving gently used soccer equipment may also contact Thunder P.L.U.S.

With the help of Bremer Bank, the StarTribune Community Affairs, Medtronic Community Affairs, and the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association, the Thunder P.L.U.S. Passback program has been very successful thus far, having collected over 600 items for donation during the Thunder's final regular season home game on August 14.

Thunder P.L.U.S. would like to thank its partners and all those who have helped make the program successful.

2. THUNDER FACE IMPORTANT FIVE GAME ROAD TRIP

Tonight the Minnesota Thunder begins a five game road trip that may make or break their season, as they fight to earn a playoff berth. The top four teams in the Western Conference make the post-season. The Thunder are currently in fourth place in the conference, while the Milwaukee Wave United are not far behind with 34 points.

Over the next week and a half the Thunder play every team in the Western Conference, except the Wave United. The Thunder has struggled on the road all season long, recording a 0-6-3 (W-L-D) record. They will have to find a way to earn some points away from home, however, if they want to continue their season into the playoffs.

Final regular season schedule:

Thursday, Aug. 19, Thunder @ Vancouver Whitecaps, 9 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 22, Thunder @ Calgary Mustangs, 3 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 23, Thunder @ Edmonton FC, 6:45 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 27, Thunder @ Portland Timbers, 10 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 28, Thunder @ Seattle Sounders, 9 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 2, Potential playoff game in St. Paul

Sunday, Sept. 5, Potential Playoff game in St. Paul

Check www.mnthunder.com for game stories as the Thunder pushes to make the post season.

3. FRIEDLAND NAMED TO A-LEAGUE TEAM OF THE WEEK

The United Soccer Leagues (USL) has honored Thunder midfielder Kevin Friedland for his performance in the Thunder's 2-1 win over Vancouver by placing him on the Week 18 Team of the Week. Friedland scored a goal in the 20th minute of play and then assisted on the game winner to David Castellanos in the 75th minute. Friedland was also named to the Team of the Week in week 7 of league play.

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USL First Division Stories from August 19, 2004


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