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Thunder's offense comes alive in 4-3 win

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


The Minnesota Thunder went on an offensive splurge with 16 shots on goal in a 4-3 victory over the Puerto Rico Islanders on Saturday at James Griffin Stadium.

It was the first time the Thunder scored four goals in a league game since May 31, 2003, when they beat Syracuse 4-1.

In a festive atmosphere with a passionate crowd for Hispanic Heritage Night, the game was physical from the beginning. Three Puerto Rico players were issued yellow cards in the first 25 minutes.

Puerto Rico scored first in the 23rd minute when Maliza Johanes passed a ball through the Thunder defense to Corey Woolfork, who shot it past goalkeeper Joe Warren.

But the Thunder (4-2-4) struck back quickly in the 26th minute when midfielder Jeff Matteo scored on a free kick from just inside the 18-yard box on a shot that hooked into the upper right corner of the goal.

Brett Branan saved a Puerto Rico goal in the 27th minute when he made a sliding play in an open goal to barely save the ball from crossing the goal line.

Woolfork and Johanes teamed up again to put Puerto Rico up 2-1 in the 40th minute when Johanes sent a crossing pass in front of the goal to Woolfork, who tapped it in to score.

Melvin Tarley tied the game 2-2 five minutes into the second half when he scored from about 20 yards out on the right side of the field.

"Tarley's goal was key," head coach Buzz Lagos said. "It got us settled in and set us up for the rest of the game."

The Thunder finally took the lead in the 63rd minute. Kevin Friedland dribbled down the right side of the field and played the ball to Johnny Menyongar, who tapped it to Godfrey Tenoff who was wide open inside the 18-yard box. Tenoff shot and scored to put the Thunder up 3-2.

Menyongar added the Thunder's fourth goal of the game in the 77th minute when he one-touched a crossing pass from Kiki Lara into the goal to make the score 4-2.

The Thunder had an own goal in the 86th minute after a ball went off the back of Branan and into the net.

"It was a good comeback," Lagos said. "We struggled the first half. It was good we were only down one goal.

"But we came out in the second half and played very well. Getting three points was important. We need to take care of business at home."

The Thunder played against former teammates in facing Puerto Rico. Defender Christoper Gores and Woolfolk both used to play for the Thunder.

The Thunder's next home game is on Friday, June 24 when they host the Toronto Lynx to start the Unity Cup. Kickoff is set for 7:05 p.m. at James Griffin Stadium in St. Paul. For tickets, call 651-917-TEAM or visit online at www.mnthunder.com.



USL First Division Stories from June 21, 2005


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