Thunder Suffers First Home Loss to Vancouver 1-0

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


ST PAUL, MN - The Minnesota Thunder dropped their first match against the Vancouver Whitecaps Saturday night. Despite a solid effort by the Thunder offense, they were not able to finish, getting shut out by the Whitecaps 1-0. The Thunder is now 4-2-2 dropping to third place in the First Division standings.

Despite a one hour tornado delay and heavy rain throughout the game, both teams managed to play quality soccer and finish the game without cancellation.

The Whitecaps came out pressuring with a dangerous play early in the game. In the 10th minute a misplaced pass by Stephen deRoux found the feet of Eduardo Sebrango. Sebrango slid the ball past Thunder goalkeeper Nic Platter, but hit the far post, saving the Thunder from an early goal.

The Thunder had nine fouls committed against them, providing them with many free kick opportunities. In the 31st minute Ricardo Sanchez hit a ball just over the Whitecaps goal. Platter also had a solid game despite a recent quad injury; he earned four key saves that kept the Thunder alive and in the game throughout the match. In the 36th minute, Platter came out and saved a dangerous header by Sebrango; giving the Thunder possession.

The Whitecaps goal came at the end of the first half by Jason Jordan. In the 41st minute Sebrango sent a dangerous pass across the goal and Jordan tapped it in past Platter. The Whitecaps were up with an entire half to play, but the Thunder couldn't seem to find the back of the net.

The Thunder stepped up the intensity in the second half, knowing the game could get called for weather at any time. In the 53rd minute deRoux found the head of Melvin Tarley who redirected a shot just wide of the goal. deRoux had a strong offensive game, making many dangerous crosses in front of the goal.

The downpour of rain started in the 70th minute, making the Thunder press on to score. In the 79th minute Aaron Paye sent a dangerous shot just wide of the Whitecaps goal. Kevin Taylor also had three shots off of dangerous crosses. In the 86th minute Sanchez found Taylor's head and went just over the goal.

The Thunder kept up the intense offense in the 88th minute. deRoux faked a few defenders down by the Whitecaps goal line. He passed back to Freddy Moojen who hit the ball barely wide of the goal. The Thunder couldn't seem to find the back of the Whitecaps goal and was shut out 1-0.

The Thunder goes on to play at Portland June 5th at 9:00pm. The Thunder's next home game is set for Tuesday, June 10th as part of the U.S. Open Cup. The Thunder host the PDL team, the St. Louis Lions at 6:00pm at the National Sports Center in Blaine. Season tickets are currently on sale by visiting www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 651.989.5151.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



USL First Division Stories from June 1, 2008


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central