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Thunder possible host to L.A. Galaxy on July 20

June 29, 2004 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


ST. PAUL, Minn. (Tuesday, June 29, 2004) - If the Thunder beat the Boulder Rapids Reserve on Wednesday night in St. Paul at James Griffin Stadium, it would host the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer on July 20 at 7 p.m. in the Metrodome in the fourth round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, the furthest the team has ever advanced.

The Thunder will battle the Rapids Reserve this Wednesday, June 30, at James Griffin Stadium in St. Paul. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. The first 500 fans through the gates receive a FREE replica jersey t-shirts courtesy of American Family Insurance. It's also mid-season fan appreciation night as all fans can get FREE massages, courtesy of the High-Tech Institute, and FREE haircuts, courtesy of Dick's Sports Barbers, inside the stadium.

The Boulder Rapids Reserve take part in the Premier Development League (PDL) in the Heartland Division and are currently in second place with a record of 10-2-1 (W-L-D).

Thunder defender Dustin Branan will have particular interest in this match as his younger brother, Brett Branan, also of Lakeville, Minn., plays in the defense for the Rapids Reserve.

If the Thunder advances past the Rapids Reserve the Galaxy would prove to be a difficult opponent as they are currently the best team in Major League Soccer (MLS) with a record of 7-5-3. They lead the Western Conference by two points over the Kansas City Wizards. The Galaxy are one of the more exciting and explosive teams in MLS as they have totaled 28 goals in 15 games, seven more than the next closest team. They have four of the league's top ten goal scorers in Alejandro Moreno, Carlos Ruiz, Jovan Kirovski, Andreas Herzog. Those four players have combined for a staggering 22 of the team's 28 goals.

If the Thunder should advance past the Rapids Reserve on Wednesday evening, fans may purchase tickets directly after the game for the July 20 match-up versus the Galaxy. All tickets purchased directly after Wednesday's game will be discounted by $2.

THUNDER FACE SEATTLE ON SUNDAY

For the second time this season the Thunder will face off against the Seattle Sounders at home on July 4 at 7 p.m. The last game between the two teams on June 12 was a thriller, as the Thunder, who was down 1-0, scored two goals in the final 13 minutes of play to secure a 2-1 victory. The Thunder was lead by forward Melvin Tarley who scored the first goal and assisted on the game-winner.

The Thunder will give away 1,000 free Melvin Tarley posters as fans leave the stadium on Sunday. The posters are provided courtesy of HealthPartners.

Approximately 30 minutes after the game, the largest fireworks display in the Twin Cities will take place at nearby Harriet Island in St. Paul.

Tickets for the game can be purchased online at www.mnthunder.com or by calling the Thunder office at 651-917-8326.



USL First Division Stories from June 29, 2004


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.

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