Thunder Tie Portland 2-2

August 2, 2008 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


BLAINE, MN - The Minnesota Thunder earned a single point as they tied the Portland Timbers tonight 2-2. The Thunder is now 5-9-6 with 21 points, with Portland still one point ahead of them in the First Division standings.

In the 16th minute, Ricardo Sanchez stepped up with the first shot of the game for the Thunder. Sanchez's shot hit the post but Alen Marcina was there to rebound, but his just high of the Portland goal.

In the 18th minute, Sanchez got the chance to redeem himself. Stephen deRoux was fouled in the box by Cameron Knowles, forcing a penalty kick. Sanchez took the kick for the Thunder, aiming for the right side and scoring for the Thunder. The Thunder was up 1-0 early in the game, and had the momentum to score again.

Sanchez and Marcina opened up another opportunity for the Thunder again in the 29th minute. Sanchez took a free kick finding the head of Marcina who hit the ball just wide of the Portland goal. The Thunder tallied six shots on goal in the first half, outplaying the Timbers and giving up only two shots.

The Timbers had disadvantages going into tonight's game, playing without leading scorer Chris Brown, who was out with a red card. They were also without Shaun Higgins and Justin Thompson who were both out for cumulation of yellow cards.

In the 31st minute, the Thunder had their best attacking opportunity of the first half. Melvin Tarley's shot was blocked by a defender, only to find Marcina waiting in the box. Marcina's shot was stopped on the line by a Portland defender and cleared out of danger.

The Thunder came into the second half looking confident, and hungry for their second goal. In the 66th minute Marcina's shot hit the post bouncing out to Luchi Gonzalez who blasted the ball in the back of the net for a 2-0 Thunder lead.

In the 70th minute, the Timbers countered. Stephen deRoux slipped in the box, leaving Miguel Guante wide open for a shot inside the penalty area. Guante slid a ball past Thunder goalkeeper Nic Platter, who couldn't save the dangerous ball. The Thunder still had their lead, but had to bounce back after the Timbers unexpected goal.

In the 75th minute, the Timbers tied the game. Brian Kallman and John Greenfield cut off Portland striker Bryan Jordan who fell, causing a Timber penalty kick. Jordan took the kick for the Timbers, scoring just five minutes after their first goal. Suddenly it was a tie game between two teams who both needed a win.

The Thunder started to kick up the pressure after the second Portland goal. Tarley's shot in the 80th minute was just not enough to pass Timber keeper Brad Knighten. Kyle Altman sent a ball to Marcina who crossed it over the goal face, but no Thunder strikers were there to finish the opportunity.

Neither the Thunder nor the Timbers could finish a third goal, leaving it at 2-2 to finish the match. The Thunder return home against the Charleston Battery on Thursday, August 7. For tickets visit www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 651-917-TEAM.



USL First Division Stories from August 2, 2008


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