Thunder to play Morelia of Mexico June 18, 19

Published on May 27, 2004 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


ST. PAUL, Minn. (Thursday, May 27, 2004) - The Minnesota Thunder will host Mexican first division club Morelia (reserves) Friday, June 18 at James Griffin Stadium in St. Paul (kickoff 7 p.m.), it was announced today by team officials.

Morelia finished in first place in the 2003 Mexican Summer Tournament with a record of 10-4-5 (W-L-D). Most recently, the first team just missed the 2004 summer tournament playoffs with a record of 6-9-4 (W-L-D).

In 2003, the first team faced the Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer on two occasions, winning both games by scores of 6-0 and 2-0.

"This is a chance to see the future stars of one of Mexico's top professional teams," said Jim Froslid, Thunder president and general manager. "It should be a unique experience as we are envisioning a more international atmosphere inside the stadium."

In addition to the Friday night game in St. Paul the two teams will face off on Saturday, June 19 at Rochester Mayo High in Rochester, Minn. The game in Rochester will coincide with RochesterFest, the community's largest festival, and the RochesterFest invitational soccer tournament. Fans are encouraged to get tickets in advance as the Mayo stadium seats only 3,000 spectators.

Tickets ($8-$15) for both matches can be purchased by calling the Thunder ticket office at 651-917-TEAM (8326) or through the Thunder website at www.mnthunder.com.

Following is a list of the Morelia players scheduled to make the trip:

Morelia Reserves Roster: Alvaro Fernández Montaño, Antonio Jasso De La Rosa, Arturo Gonzalez Martinez, Sabino David Chavez Duran, Daniel Ceja Herrera, Eder Osmar Zavala Garfias. Erick Jahir Alarcon Morales, Hector Jesus Carabez Gonzalez, José Valadez Parra, Juan Carlos Hernández Mora, Adenir Rafael Elias Diaz, Luis Miguel Madrigal Ortiz, Oswaldo Alanis Pantoja, René Santoyo Corona, Teodoro Galvez Orozco, Ubaldo Correa Hernandez, Vladimir Villa Miranda

Delegation Coordinator: Juan Pablo Lillini Coppari
Head Coach: Alberto Durán Salazar
Physical Trainer: Jose Alberto Pedraza Barajas
Equipment Manager: Humberto Corona Salazar
Team Doctor: Simón Avellaneda Pascual

JOIN SURVIVOR WINNER ETHAN ZOHN AND CELEBRATE THE POWER OF SOCCER

CBS Survivor Africa Winner and All-Stars Contestant Ethan Zohn will be in town on Friday, June 4th for a fundraising event in support of Minnesota Thunder P.L.U.S. (Partnering for Leadership & Urban Success) and Grassroot Soccer (www.grassrootsoccer.org) from 6 PM to 9 PM at The Barbary Fig (720 Grand Avenue, St. Paul).

Founded by Ethan Zohn following his Survivor Africa triumph, Grassroot Soccer trains well-known soccer players to educate African children about the dangers of HIV/AIDS and effective ways to protect themselves. Ethan Zohn was a goalkeeper for Highlanders FC, Zimbabwe's most popular professional soccer team, and launched Grassroot Soccer's pilot program in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe last year due both to his connection to the country and the devastating effect HIV/AIDS has had there.

Minnesota Thunder P.L.U.S., the nonprofit arm of the Thunder, works in Minneapolis and St. Paul's low income, underserved urban neighborhoods to "build strong kids through the power of soccer." Both Minnesota Thunder P.L.U.S. and Grassroot Soccer embrace the power of soccer in making the world a better, healthier, and more humane place. Ethan Zohn will also attend the Thunder's June 5th game against the Syracuse Salty Dogs and will test his goalkeeping skills against winners of the Thunder P.L.U.S. Closest to the Center Spot competition.

Event highlights include North African cuisine prepared by The Barbary Fig and talks by current Thunder players Amos Magee (The Power of Soccer) and Godfrey Tenoff (A South African's Perspective on HIV/AIDS) followed by Ethan Zohn's speech entitled, "Character: The Ultimate Survival Tool." Tickets to this event are $100 ($75 tax deductible) with proceeds benefiting Minnesota Thunder P.L.U.S. and Grassroot Soccer.

Please join a remarkable gathering of Survivor enthusiasts, soccer lovers, and champions of youth as we showcase the unique power of soccer! Call Ryan McGary with Minnesota Thunder P.L.U.S. at 651-917-0098 for more information or visit www.mnthunder.com to download an event flyer and ticket order form.

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USL First Division Stories from May 27, 2004


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