Thunder Win Home Opener 1-0 Over Rochester

Published on May 4, 2008 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Minnesota Thunder News Release


ST PAUL, Minn. (May 4, 2008)- The Minnesota Thunder earned their first home win of the season in their home opener against the Rochester Raging Rhinos. Alen Marcina scored the only goal for the Thunder, earning the team their second win of the season. This win advances the Thunder to 2-1-0, already moving forward from the 2007 season.

In the first minute, Thunder midfielder Ricardo Sanchez took a free kick from 25 yards out and just barely hit the far post. Sanchez's early opportunity set the tone for the game. The intensity was up and the Thunder was looking for a very important home win tonight.

The Thunder defense stepped up as well. In the 13th minute Kevin Friedland took a hit to the back to save what could have been a Rhino goal. Former Thunder player Johnny Menyonger was taking many of the Rhino shots, but wasn't able to get any in the back of the net.

In the 25th minute, the Thunder secured the first and only goal of the game. Nic Platter punted a ball to Alen Marcina who collected it and ran. He sprinted down the right flank and hit a ball to the far side past Rhino goalkeeper Scott Vallow. Marcina's goal came early in the game, giving the Thunder confidence to finish the match.

Just seconds after, Platter fouled Hamond Diallo in the box, earning the Rhinos a penalty kick. Diallo took the kick but Platter showed why he is one of the most dominant goalkeepers in the league. Platter dove to his left, saving what could have been a Rhino goal, and kept the Thunder up 1-0.

Both teams had many opportunities, Luchi Gonzalez headed a ball just over the net in the 41st minute off a ball from Sanchez. Andrew Barron attempted a chip shot to Marcina, but hit it just far for the Rhino defenders in the 50th minute.

It almost became a tie game in the 79th minute when Hamond Diallo took a shot that went just left of the Thunder goal. Another shot when just high by Matthew Delicate in the 90th minute. The Thunder's defense kept the Rhino's from equalizing, guaranteeing their first home win of the season.

The Thunder goes on to face the Montreal Impact at James Griffin Stadium on May 10th at 7:05pm. Season tickets are currently on sale by visiting www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 651.989.5151.

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USL First Division Stories from May 4, 2008


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