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Thunder to host Real Salt Lake if it advances in U.S. Open Cup

June 21, 2005 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


(St. Paul, MN)-It was announced today that the Thunder will host Real Salt Lake if it advances against the Chicago Fire Premier of the Premier Development League (PDL) in next week's U.S. Open Cup second round match. The Thunder kicks off against the Chicago Fire Premier next Wednesday, June 29 at 7:05 p.m. inside the gates of James Griffin Stadium. For tickets call 651-917-TEAM or visit www.mnthunder.com

This squad has been one of the best in recent PDL history and currently is undefeated at 7-0-1 with 22 points. Kyle Brown and Dave Leung lead the team in goals with five. The Premier has scored an impressive 23 goals and has only allowed six all season.

If the Thunder wins next Wednesday's match, the Thunder will host Real Salt Lake (Major League Soccer) on July 13 at 7:05 p.m. at James Griffin Stadium. Thunder fans would see players such as Clint Mathis, Eddie Pope, and Jason Kreis, the MLS All-time leading goal scorer.

The Thunder had a superb run in the U.S. Open Cup in 2004, advancing to the quarterfinals after beating the Boulder Rapids Reserve (PDL) 1-0 and the L.A. Galaxy (MLS) 1-0 in the Metrodome. The Thunder hosted the San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) in a quarterfinal match-up and was all square at 2-2 after 90 minutes, but eventually lost 5-4 in penalty kicks.

2. KIDS' DAY LOOKS TO BE NEAR CAPACITY WEDNESDAY

The Thunder will host Kids' Day on Wednesday, June 22 at 11 a.m. at James Griffin Stadium. With over 3,500 tickets already sold, the game is well on it's way to being near capacity when the Thunder hosts the Inferno FC in an exhibition match.

This game geared towards the youth, will feature several activities for kids including inflatables, games, halftime contests, and much more. All kids in attendance will receive a Wisconsin Dells Kid's Card and a autograph card provided by Bremer Bank.

Cor more information or to order tickets, call 651-917-TEAM or visit www.mnthunder.com.

3. THUNDER TIED MILWAUKEE WAVE UNITED LAST SUNDAY

The Minnesota Thunder played the Milwaukee Wave United in a friendly exhibition match last Sunday at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Former Thunder forward Johnny Torres put the Wave United up early in the 18th minute, chipping the ball over Thunder keeper Nic Platter for the goal.

The Thunder equalized in the 88th minute after Amos Magee entered the match. The long-time Thunder player and current assistant coach headed a ball into the middle of the goal box where James Prosser fired home the volley to tie the game 1-1.

The Thunder will play the Milwaukee Wave United again on July 16 in Milwaukee.

4. EXPLOSIVE OFFENSE PUTS THUNDER PLAYERS ON LEADER BOARD

With the Thunder's impressive 4-3 defeat of the Puerto Rico Islanders last Saturday, two Thunder players are creeping up the leader board on USL First Division stat sheets. Thunder midfielder Kiki Lara is currently tied with four other players for the lead in assists with four. Lara has had an impressive start to his season after having a limited role with the team in 2004.

Forward Johnny Menyongar is currently tied for second place in the league in goals with six. Menyongar has also gotten off to a quick start this season, already tying his goal output for the entire 2004 season.

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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.

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