Thunder To Host AC Milan's Primavera Squad As Part Of PSA Minnesota Classic Soccer Tournament

Published on April 18, 2007 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


ST. PAUL, Minn. (Wednesday, April 18, 2007) - The Minnesota Thunder announced today it will play Italian super power, AC Milan's Primavera team on June 23 as part of the Plymouth Soccer Association's Minnesota Classic Youth Soccer Tournament. The game will be held in the middle of this weekend long tournament at Wayzata High School in Plymouth, Minn. Milan's U-21 squad will come to Minnesota for one of two games on a preseason tour of the United States. PSA is the presenting sponsor of this event. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are on sale immediately at the Thunder's website at www.mnthunder.com or by calling 651.917.TEAM. Tickets are $12 in advance at $14 on the day of the game. There are only 5,000 sellable seats so fans are encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance.

"We are bringing the future stars from one of the world's top clubs to play the Thunder here in Minnesota," said Amos Magee, head coach of the Thunder. "Minnesota soccer fans will be able to watch many of the same players appearing in this years Champions League semi-final in their own backyard. Our players, coaching staff, and organization are thrilled to bring the famous red and black of AC Milan to participate in one of the best soccer events in Minnesota in recent years.'

AC Milan Primavera is one of 53 teams who compete in the Campionato Primavera league, a combination of youth squads from the Italian Serie A, B and C leagues. Currently ranked second in their group with a record of 15-2-6, 53pts, the top four teams from each group advance to the postseason.

The Primavera squad features 10 players who have seen action with AC Milan's senior team during the 2006-07 season. Defender Matteo Darmian, who has played for the U-18 Italian National Team, along with defender Mateo Bruscagin and midfielders Matteo Lunati and captain Gastone Bottini have all played for AC Milan in the early rounds of the Italian Cup. Defender Luca Antonelli and forward Davide Di Gennaro each saw the field for AC Milan's first team in Serie A matches midway through the season.

During their trip to the U.S., AC Milan Primavera will also play USL First Division opponent, the Portland Timbers on June 19.

Tickets for AC Milan Primavera are on sale immediately and are available on the Thunder's website at www.mnthunder.com, or by calling 651.917.TEAM.

The Thunder opens its home season on Sunday, May 6 at 5:05 p.m. at James Griffin Stadium against the defending USL champion Vancouver Whitecaps. The game will be complimentary and NO admission will be charged. For more information, call 651.917.TEAM or visit www.mnthunder.com

For more information about AC Milan, visit www.acmilan.com

ABOUT AC MILAN

Known as the Rossoneri, 'the red and black' for their striped uniforms, Associazione Calcio Milan is one of the most successful clubs in Europe and competes in Italy's top tier, Serie A. Since the club was founded in 1899, AC Milan has won six UEFA Champions League titles, three Intercontinental Cups and 17 Italian Serie A championships. Their first-team roster includes several 2006 World Cup participants, including Brazil's Dida, Cafu, Kaka and world-renowned striker Ronaldo. In 2007, Forbes.com ranked AC Milan as the fifth richest club in the world at an estimated value of $824 million dollars. AC Milan Primavera won the Campionato Primavera league in 1965


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