Thunder Struggles to Produce Points in 3-1 Loss to Islanders

Published on June 30, 2008 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (Sunday, June 29, 2008)- The Minnesota Thunder lost both games in their two game road trip this weekend, dropping a game today to the Islanders 3-1. The Thunder now drop to seventh place in the First Division standings, keeping their record at 4-6-4. Minnesota travels to play the Atlanta Silverbacks on Thursday night at 6:55pm.

The Thunder started the game off quickly, with an opportunity in the first minute. Aaron Paye started running down the line, passing the ball over to fellow striker, Melvin Tarley. Tarley collected the ball and shot, aiming dangerously close to the Islander goal. The Thunder was off to a positive offensive start early in the game, and needed the momentum to move past the Islanders after Friday's loss.

In the 28th minute, the Islanders got on the board. Islander striker Josh Hansen shot on Thunder keeper Nic Platter who saved the first shot. Platter's shot was saved into traffic and onrushing Islander Hansen easily slipped the ball into the back of the net. The Thunder was down 1-0 early in the game and needed to step up their game to bounce back.

In the 56th minute, the Islanders struck again. Noah Delgado sent a ball to Islander striker Sandi Gbandi who put it in the back of the Thunder net off an unlucky bounce past Platter. The Islanders insurance goal came early enough for the Thunder to try and come back to finish off the game.

The Thunder offense kept pushing toward the Islander goal, but couldn't seem to finish any of the crosses Paye was sending. The Thunder's next best opportunity didn't come until the 61st minute when Kevin Taylor finally got his head on a cross from Paye. Unfortunately, the header went just wide of the Islander goal, giving Puerto Rico possession.

Thunder defender Jonathan Greenfield did well for the Thunder, pressuring the midfield to move forward in his defensive spot. The Thunder wasn't showing much life in the offensive end, but the defense was there to keep the pressure on.

In the 81st minute, the Islanders scored again. Andres Calbrero sent a ball to the left side of the goal to a wide open Steele. Steele collected the ball with enough time to get a solid shot off that Platter couldn't stop. It was 3-0 Islanders, and the Thunder was looking for a goal to keep their pride.

In the 87th minute, the Thunder finally got on the board. Jeremiah Bass sent a perfect cross to Freddy Moojen who headed the ball to the opposite side of the goal. Moojen earned his first goal of the season and the Thunder's first goal since June 20. The game ended 3-1 in favor of the Islanders, bumping Puerto Rico up from last place.

"This was a difficult weekend for us, although we played better today. The questionable penalty kick on Friday left a sour taste and the first two goals tonight were unlucky bounces. I was pleased with our effort and fight; good results will come if we keep that effort up," said Thunder head coach Amos Magee.

The Thunder will return home on July 11 when they host the Carolina Railhawks in the newly refurbished National Sports Center stadium. For tickets call 651.989.5151 or visit www.ticketmaster.com

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USL First Division Stories from June 30, 2008


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