Thunder Secure Important Win Against Miami 2-1

Published on August 29, 2008 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


MIAMI, Florida. (August 29, 2008)- The Minnesota Thunder secured an important win tonight against Miami FC, giving them three more points towards a playoff spot. The Thunder battled to the end, scoring in the 90th minute off a goal by striker, Nathan Knox. The Thunder go on to play Miami for the second time this weekend on Sunday at 5:00pm.

The Thunder was coming into this game tied with Miami in the bottom of the First Division standings. A win tonight and Sunday could potentially push them up to the 7th spot, where the playoff cutoff lies. After two tough losses the past two weeks, the Thunder came into this game knowing they had to win to have any hope for a playoff future.

Tonight the Thunder had a different roster than usual, with a new backup goalkeeper. Kristian Gonzalez, brother of Luchi Gonzalez is signed with the Thunder this weekend, to be back-up for Nic Platter in case of injury. Regular Thunder backup, Matt VanOekel, broke his wrist in training and was unable to make the trip to Miami. Mark Schulte also made his first start with the Thunder tonight, logging 80 minutes in his first appearance with the Thunder in 2008.

In the 16th minute, the Thunder pushed forward into the attacking end. Dale Weiler send a through ball to Brian Cvilikas who went on a good run toward the keeper. Cvilikas' pressure was stopped by Miami goalkeeper Josh Saunders, who was there to stop the attack. The next dangerous play by the Thunder came in the 30th minute. Ricardo Sanchez sent a free kick over the Miami defense to Melvin Tarley who took a shot that was saved by Saunders and led to a Thunder corner kick.

In the 37th minute, Schulte made a spectacular defensive save that kept the Thunder at a 0-0 tie. Miami's leading scorer Alex Alfonso went on a run towards net that was cut off by Schulte and brought up the field by the Thunder midfield. Even after seven corners from the Thunder, the half ended in a 0-0 tie.

Miami came out in front of the Thunder in the second half, scoring right away in the 47th minute. Eric Vasquez sent a through ball, passing by Stephen deRoux to Eric Vasquez who slotted the ball past Platter, but giving the Thunder plenty of time to come back from the deficit.

In the 65th minute the Thunder earned a penalty kick to even the score. Sanchez stepped up to take the kick, slotting the ball in the left side and giving the Thunder a confidence boost to keep up the offensive attack.

Platter played well for the Thunder tonight, proving to be one of the most consistent players on the Thunder team. In the 70th minute Walter Ramirez took a free kick outside the box, finding the head of Connally Edozien. Platter was there to save the shot by Edozien, keeping the Thunder even in the game.

After multiple yellow and red card cautions, Miami was down three players and the Thunder needed to step up to the advantage of the 8 v. 11 game. Leo Nunes, John Pulido, and Walter Ramirez were all ejected from tonight's game, giving the Thunder an open opportunity to score.

In the 90th minute, the Thunder secured their first road win since April. Kyle Altman took a free kick directly outside the penalty area, finding deRoux who found Knox who found the back of the net. The Thunder secured their eighth league win of the season, giving them three points to put them ahead of Miami going into Sunday's game.

"Tonight's victory was important for our playoff push. The men worked and battled hard and created some great chances and we capitalized on two of them. We are now preparing for Sunday's battle," said interim head coach Donny Gramenz.

The Thunder take on Miami again on Sunday, August 31 at 5:00pm. The Thunder return home on September 13 to host the Charleston Battery. Kickoff is at 7:05pm.

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USL First Division Stories from August 29, 2008


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