Thunder set to begin Open Cup play Wednesday at home

Published on June 26, 2006 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


ST. PAUL, Minn. (Monday, June 26, 2006) - The Minnesota Thunder will begin Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup play on Wednesday, June 28 in hosting the Des Moines Menace (PDL) in the second round of the tournament. Kickoff is set for 7:05 p.m. at James Griffin Stadium. For ticket information, call 651.917.TEAM or visit www.mnthunder.com.

The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup began in 1914, and is the oldest cup competition in United States soccer. It is open to all amateur and professional teams in the United States, giving amateur teams the opportunity to compete against Major League Soccer teams. The tournament is single-elimination, meaning the possibility of overtime and a shoot-out if the game is tied at the end of regulation.

The winner of Wednesday's game will advance to the tournament's third round, and face the Kansas City Wizards of MLS on the road on July 12.

About the Thunder

Last season, the Thunder put together the most successful U.S. Open Cup run in franchise history, advancing to the tournament semifinals. In the Thunder's opening game in 2005, they beat the Chicago Fire Reserves 2-1 in the second round. The Thunder next hosted Real Salt Lake of MLS, and won 6-4 in a thrilling overtime.

In the tournament's fourth round, Melvin Tarley scored all four goals as the Thunder beat the Colorado Rapids 4-1. The Thunder beat its third MLS team of the tournament in the quarterfinals, picking up a 3-1 win over the Kansas City Wizards on the road. The amazing run came to an end in the semifinals, as the Thunder fell 5-2 to the eventual tournament champions Los Angeles Galaxy.

About Des Moines

The Menace are the reigning PDL champions, and currently sit in second place of the PDL Heartland Division with a record of 7-3. Edwin Disang leads the team offensively with five goals and two assists. In the 2005 U.S. Open Cup, Des Moines had the best run of any PDL team, advancing to the fourth round of the tournament. The Menace beat the Charleston Battery and Atlanta Silverbacks of the USL before falling to the Kansas City Wizards. This year, the Menace defeated the Croatian Eagles 4-1 in the qualifying round and the Dallas Mustang Legends 3-2 in the first round to advance to play the Thunder. The current Menace roster includes Zeke Dombrowski, the younger brother of Thunder defender Chad Dombrowski.

Up Next

Wednesday's game will conclude the Thunder's seven-game homestand. The Thunder will next embark on a rigerous three-game road trip, with a match-up against the Virginia Beach Mariners on Friday, June 30 at 7:00 p.m. to be immediately followed with a Saturday, June 1 game at 6:30 p.m. against the Charleston Battery. The Thunder will then take on the Atlanta Silverbacks on Tuesday, July 4 at 6:30 p.m.

The Thunder's next home game is on Friday, July 14 at 7:05 p.m. against the Vancouver Whitecaps at James Griffin Stadium. For ticket information, visit www.mnthunder.com or call 651.917.TEAM.

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