Thunder set to storm the beach

Published on May 20, 2005 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


1. THUNDER SET TO STORM THE BEACH ST. PAUL, Minn. (Thursday, May 19, 2005)-The Minnesota Thunder (0-0-2, 2 pts.) will play its third and fourth matches of the year this weekend on the road against the Virginia Beach Mariners (1-5-2, 5 pts.) and the Richmond Kickers (6-1-1, 19 pts.). Although still undefeated, the Thunder will look to get its first win of the year on the road, something it didn't do in 2004 until Aug. 23 in a 2-0 victory over the Edmonton Aviators.

The Thunder will kick off against the Mariners and three former Thunder players Friday night at the Virginia Beach Mariner Sportsplex at 6:30 p.m. Former Thunder players David Castellanos ('04), Steve Shak ('02-'03), and Jakob Fenger ('02) are all currently rostered with the Mariners. The Mariners have played eight games so far this season, but have only managed five points in those contests.

The Mariners will be missing two key players Friday night as leading scored Darren Caskey (suspended), and captain Jeff Bilyk (injury) will both be sitting out of the game.

The Thunder squared off once against the Mariners last season, winning at home 1-0 on a goal in the second half from Melvin Tarley. Liberian forward, Johnny Menyongar, will look to carry his scoring streak into the match, scoring a goal in the Thunder's first two games of this season.

On Saturday night the Thunder will travel to Richmond, Va., to take on the Kickers who sit at the top of the USL First Division table. Game time is set for 6 p.m. at the University of Richmond stadium. The Kickers, like the Mariners, have played eight games, but have kick started their season with a total of 19 points.

Kickers forward, Matthew Delicate, currently leads the league in points with 11 and is tied for the lead in goals with five. The Thunder has not played the Richmond Kickers since June 15 of the 2002 season, drawing 2-2.

The Thunder will return home on May 29 for its opener at James Griffin Stadium in St. Paul. Kickoff is set for 7:05 p.m. at "The Jimmy." The Thunder will look to take out the Vancouver Whitecaps in a revenge match leading back to the Thunder's elimination from the 2004 playoffs on behalf of Vancouver. Tickets are available by visiting www.mnthunder.com or by calling 651.917.8326.

2. GREEN MILL PIZZA INCENTIVE ANNOUNCED Hungry for a pizza party? New in 2005, the Thunder is offering a unique group ticket package for youth soccer teams. Any team that purchases a block of tickets will receive a coupon good for one FREE PIZZA at the Green Mill Restaurant in St. Paul on Hamline Avenue, just minutes from James Griffin Stadium.

Teams will receive one coupon for every 15 tickets purchased and are encouraged to line up a team pizza party before heading to the Thunder game. The Thunder is just getting started so there are plenty of opportunities to take advantage of this MYSA team special. For more information, please contact Mark Lieblein at 651-917-0049.

3. TAX DEXUCTIBLE THUNDER CAMPS START IN TWO WEEKS Minnesota Thunder summer soccer camps start on June 6, and will run through the middle of August. Camps are held in over 35 locations throughout the Twin Cities and are available for players ages 5-18. The camps are tax deductible and a Federal ID number is available upon request.

Thunder soccer camps offer the most unique opportunity for kids to learn the game from Minnesota's professional soccer players.

Each camper will receive: -Thunder T-shirt provided by Soccer USA -Thunder soccer ball -Game ticket to Camp Reunion night (Aug. 13 vs. Portland) -Participation certificate -Written evaluation -Soccer USA discount certificate -Wisconsin Dells Kids card

To find a camp nearest you or to register online, please visit www.mnthunder.com or call 651-917-TEAM for more information.

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USL First Division Stories from May 20, 2005


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