Thunder to face Boulder in Open Cup action

Published on June 16, 2004 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


ST. PAUL, Minn. (Wednesday, June 16, 2004) – The Minnesota Thunder will host the Boulder Rapids Reserve of the Premier Development League (PDL) in third round action of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup on Wednesday, June 30 in James Griffin Stadium, it was announced today by Thunder officials. Kick-off is set for 7 p.m.

The Boulder Rapids Reserve beat the San Diego Gauchos of the Premier Select League (PSL) last night 5-4 on penalty kicks after a 0-0 score through regulation and overtime. With the win, the Rapids Reserve advance to the third round of the Open Cup where they will face the Thunder.

The winner of the third round match on June 30 will face a Major League Soccer (MLS) team on July 20.

Thunder defender Dustin Branan will have particular interest in this match as his younger brother, Brett Branan, also of Lakeville, Minn., plays in the defense for the Rapids Reserve. Brett Branan is currently a junior at St. Louis University.

This will be the first time that the two former MYSA youth teammates will square off against each other in a competitive match.

"I am extremely excited to go head to head with my brother," said Dustin Branan. "He's a great player and I want to see how he handles the pressure of our talented forwards."

Tickets for the third round Open Cup match are $15 for VIP, $12 for adult, and $8 for youth. Tickets can be purchased by calling 651-917-TEAM or visiting www.mnthunder.com

MEXICAN PRESIDENT FOX TO GREET THUNDER FRIDAY

The Minnesota Thunder, along with Mexican first division team Morelia, will meet with Mexican President Vincente Fox on Friday, June 18 at 3 p.m.. The meeting will take place at a press conference at Cesar Chavez School in St. Paul, located at 930 East Geranium Avenue, just prior to the 7 p.m. match at James Griffin Stadium in St. Paul.

Every member of the Thunder and Morelia will be on hand Friday to present President Fox with an official Thunder jersey bearing his name on the back.

The matches versus Morelia on Friday in St. Paul and Saturday in Rochester, Minn. are the only international matches the Thunder will be competing in this season.

Full Schedule of Events:

Thursday, June 17: 9:45 a.m. – Morelia trains at James Griffin Stadium. 1 p.m. – Press Conference at La Villa Restaurant in Richfield (Located at 1120 E. 66th St.; 612-861-7070).

Friday, June 18: 3 p.m. – Meeting with President Fox at Cesar Chavez School in St. Paul. 7 p.m. – Thunder versus Morelia at James Griffin Stadium in St. Paul.

Saturday, June 19: 7 p.m. – Thunder versus Morelia at Mayo High School in Rochester.

Tickets for both matches are available by calling 651-917-TEAM or by visiting www.mnthunder.com.

TARLEY MAKES TEAM OF THE WEEK

For the second week in a row, Melvin Tarley has made the Team of the Week in week nine of the USL season. Tarley contributed to both of the Thunder's goals against the Seattle Sounders last Saturday, scoring one in the 77th minute of play and assisting on Marco Ferruzzi's game winning goal in the 81st minute.

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USL First Division Stories from June 16, 2004


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