USL Fox Sports World Game of the Week
August 26, 2004 - USL First Division (USL-1) News Release
Thunder @ Timbers
This Friday's live USL on Fox Sports World A-League match takes place at PGE Park in Portland, Oregon as the Minnesota Thunder take on the Portland Timbers. Kickoff is set for 11:00 pm ET.
Minnesota Thunder (12-9-5)
The Minnesota Thunder are in the midst of a heated playoff race as four teams battle for three spots. The Thunder snapped a mid-season four-game losing streak to go 2-1-2 in their last five games.
Forward Melvin Tarley paces the Thunder with 15 points on seven goals and one assist. The Liberian Naitonal Team captain was a two-time Team of the Week selection and garnered Player of the Week honors for scoring three goals in wins against Vancouver and Seattle in Week 8. Fellow forward Johnny Menyongar is just one point back on six goals and two assists.
Portland Timbers (17-7-2)
The Timbers have already secured the Western Conference championship and are in a race with the Montreal Impact for best record in the A-League. Portland is currently riding an eight-game unbeaten streak (6-0-2).
Rookie forward Alan Gordon continues to lead the league with 35 points on 17 goals and one assist. Gordon has made the Team of the Week four times while twice being named the league's Player of the Week. Byron Alvarez, Gordon's partner up top, is close on his heels with 34 points on 15 goals and four assists.
History
This is the final meeting between the two clubs this season, with the Timbers holding a 2-0-1 record over Minnesota to take the all-time series lead at 6-4-1. In the first match back in June, Alan Gordon scored the lone goal in a 1-0 Portland win. Andrew Gregor came through for the Timbers, notching two goals and an assist in a 3-0 win earlier this month before the two teams tied 2-2 on August 14th. The Timbers are 4-2-0 against Minnesota.
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USL First Division Stories from August 26, 2004
- Lynx Wrap Up Home Schedule In Style - Toronto Lynx
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- Thunder on national TV Friday vs. Portland - Minnesota Thunder
- USL Fox Sports World Game of the Week - USL-1
- Impact beats Edmonton, 2-0 - Montreal Impact
- Lynx Wrap Up Season on the Road - Toronto Lynx
- Cephas Called Up To Liberian National Team For World Cup Qualifying - Richmond Kickers
- Fan Appreciation Night This Friday - Vancouver Whitecaps
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