Thunder signs Portuguese defender Alfredo Esteves

Published on March 15, 2006 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


ST. PAUL, Minn. (Wednedsay, March 15, 2006) - The Minnesota Thunder announced Wednesday the signing of Portuguese defender Alfredo Esteves. Esteves holds dual citizenship with Portugal and East Timor. He has four caps with the East Timor national team, which is the newest country in the world and also the newest member of FIFA.

"We have added a tough, mature, versatile defender that will make our team stronger and smarter," said Thunder Head Coach Amos Magee. Magee scouted Esteves while on a recruiting trip to Portugal in January.

Esteves was signed from Desportivo Aves in the Portuguese II League. They are currently second in the league and in line for promotion to the Superleague. Details of the transfer fee were unavailable. Desportivo Aves, with Esteves in the lineup, beat CF Belenenses and SC Braga in this year's Portuguese Cup.

Esteves is no stranger to American soccer having spent preseason in 2003 with the Columbus Crew and eventually signing for the New Hampshire Phantoms in the USL2. He started 18 games for the Phantoms, leading them to the USL2 playoffs.

"Esteves is a player with a great deal of experience at many levels of soccer," said Djorn Buchholz, general manager of the Thunder. "We're excited to bring him back to the states and I anticipate him to excel in the USL system."

The Thunder opens the season at home on April 23 against the defending USL First Division champions, the Seattle Sounders. A major announcement about the home opener is scheduled for later this week.

2. THUNDER COACHING STAFF AVAILABLE FOR SPRING/SUMMER TEAM TRAINING

The Minnesota Thunder has announced a new addition to its camp programming. The Thunder's youth development staff will offer team training during the spring to interested clubs. Based on the requests of several clubs, the Thunder will consult with team coaches and set up training sessions to address the particular club's needs.

4 sessions of team training: 1.5 hours each

9-10 yr olds: 10-12 players, $7/player per session with a minimum of 10 players.

11-12 yr olds: 12-14 players, $7/player per session with a minimum of 12 players.

13-17 yr olds: 16-18 players, $7/player per session with a minimum of 16 players.

The Thunder has put together the most knowledgeable and complete coaching staff in the region with current director of camps Zafer Kilickan, Thunder head coach Amos Magee and the additions of:

-Manny Lagos (US National Team)
-Katia (Brazil National Team)
-Mark Abboud (Technical Director)
-John Swallen (Goalkeeper Coach)
-Danny Storlien (W-League Coach)
-Julie Eibensteiner (W-League Assistant Coach)
-Matt Holmes (Former Thunder Player)
-Aaron Leventhal (Strength & Conditioning Coach)
-And many more favorite men's and women's players

Availability of specific coaches for Thunder Team Training will vary.

To schedule Thunder Team Training, please call Trina Kramer at 651-917-2828 or send her an email at trina@mnthunder.com

3. SUMMER CAMP EARLY BIRD SPECIAL ENDS TODAY

It's not too late to take advantage of the Minnesota Thunder Summer Soccer Camp early bird special by registering a camper by Wednesday, March 15, 2006. All campers who register before the early bird deadline will receive a FREE mini soccer ball courtesy of Soccer USA. To register for a Thunder soccer camp please visit www.mnthunder.com or via email at trina@mnthunder.com.

The Thunder Summer Soccer Camps are the post popular camps in the state. The camp program, attended by more that 2,000 kids last year, will be held in 37 locations for boys and girls ages 5-18. This includes a NEW All-Girls camp for players ages 9-18 in Bloomington from July 10-14 that will be coached by a predominately female coaching staff including Brazilian National Team player, Katia and several other local Minnesota Lightning players.

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