Timbers Cut Down Thunder
June 22, 2004 - USL First Division (USL-1)
Portland Timbers News Release
The Minnesota Thunder outshot the Portland Timbers 26-10 but fell short 1-0 on a fluke first half goal in an A-League battle between the two teams tied for first in the Western Conference at James Griffin Stadium.
The league's leading goal scorer, Timbers forward Alan Gordon, scored the game's only goal into an empty net in the 31st minute after Thunder goalkeeper Joe Warren misplayed a difficult back pass. Warren's left-footed clearance fell to the feet of Gordon, who easily slotted his 11th goal in 11 games from 10 yards out.
"It's disappointing to lose to Portland because we played well against them," said Thunder head coach Buzz Lagos. "We just did not put away our chances that we created, and we did a great job of creating some good opportunities to score."
In the 42nd minute the Thunder hit the left post off a Melvin Tarley volley from 10 yards out. The most dangerous chances came in the game's closing minutes when substitute forward Amos Magee and defender Chris Brunt had shots saved on the goal line by the Portland keeper. Both attempts came off corner kicks which saw the 6-5 Warren inside the offensive penalty area.
Next for the Thunder is a home-and-home series with border rival Milwaukee Wave United this weekend. The Thunder will host the Wave United on Saturday, June 26 at Griffin Stadium (kickoff 6 p.m.) after the two teams meet first in Milwaukee on Friday night. Milwaukee hosts Portland Wednesday night.
The first 1,000 kids in attendance will receive stadium horns courtesy of the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association. All kids leaving the stadium will receive a free Wisconsin Dells kids card.
USL First Division Stories from June 22, 2004
- Battery Shutdown By Virginia Beach - Charleston Battery
- Timbers Cut Down Thunder - Portland Timbers
- USL announces Week 10 honors - USL-1
- Aviators Men Fall to the Whitecaps - Edmonton Aviators
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