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Thunder Qualify for Playoffs in 3-1 Beating of Montreal

September 20, 2008 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


BLAINE, MN - The Minnesota Thunder defeated the Montreal Impact 3-1 tonight, securing the 7th and final spot in the USL First Division playoffs. Brian Cvilikas, Ricardo Sanchez, and captain Jeremiah Bass all scored for the Thunder tonight, tallying up seven goals in the last two games.

In the 10th minute, the Thunder lost a crucial player. Nathan Knox was injured right away to start the game tonight, and was out for the remainder of the game. "Hopefully Nate Knox isn't seriously injured. His performances, personality, and goals helped put us in the position we are in tonight," said interim head coach Donny Gramenz. Knox's injury will be evaluated this week.

The Thunder had a scare early in the game, with a close call in the 15th minute. Simon Gatti was caught in an offside position after finding the back of the net on a ball from Adam Braz.

Montreal took the lead in the 32nd minute on a free kick by Alex Surprenant. After a foul in the upper arc of the goal, Surprenant stepped up to take the kick and nailed it into the back of the net, making it impossible for Thunder goalkeeper Nic Platter to save.

The Thunder bounced back quickly though, and tied the game in the 38th minute. Sanchez took one of his famous free kicks from 25 yards out, slamming the ball in the back of the net and evening the score 1-1. Tonight's goal by Sanchez tied Melvin Tarley for 5th in the league in goals.

Tonight's game was a special one for the Thunder. The Thunder hosted their first Breast Cancer Awareness night with Rock the Cure. The team sported pink jerseys that were auctioned off during the game.

The Thunder took the lead in the 60th minute, with a goal from Cvilikas. Sanchez took a free kick, spinning the goal on net for Tarley. Tarley headed the ball far post to Cvilikas who headed the ball in the back of the net.

In the 70th minute the Thunder finalized the game scoring their third and final goal. Tighe Dombrowski sent a ball to Jeremiah Bass who one timed the ball into the back of the net. "That was the perfect goal," said General Manager Djorn Buchholz.

"I am very happy for the men tonight. They deserve to be in the playoffs. However, we are not content with just making the playoffs. We will enjoy the result and get back to business on Monday and start preparing for our battle with Vancouver," said Gramenz.

The Thunder secured their playoff spot tonight after four seasons of coming up short. Playoff tickets are currently on sale for Sunday's game against the Vancouver Whitecaps. The Thunder will go on the road to play the Whitecaps on Friday, September 26 for their first playoff game. The Thunder will then return home for their first home playoff game in four seasons. For tickets visit www.ticketmaster.com

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