Minnesota Thunder News Release - www.mnthunder.com

Friday, May 16, 2008

ST PAUL, MN -- The Minnesota Thunder will make its 2008 debut on Fox Soccer Channel LIVE on Friday, May 16 at 7 p.m. as they take on the Atlanta Silverbacks in Atlanta. The Thunder will then travel to take on the Carolina Railhawks 5:30 p.m. on Sunday in Cary, North Carolina.

The Thunder will then return home to host its first game in its new home at the National Sports Center in Blaine on Saturday, May 24 at 7:35 p.m. when they host Miami FC.

About the Thunder (3-1-0)
Minnesota is currently sitting in third place in the USL First Division standings only behind the Charleston Battery and the Portland Timbers, who have each played more games than the Thunder. The Thunder is coming off a last second win against the Montreal Impact, in which Melvin Tarley, who was named to the USL First Division Team of the Week, scored a 91st minute goal to put them up 1-0 and secure the win. Goalkeeper Nic Platter hasn’t allowed a goal in three games, giving him and the Thunder defense three shutouts in four games. However, the Thunder has only scored one goal in each of its first four games.

The Thunder is looking to improve on their record this weekend and then come home to their first game at the National Sports Center in Blaine, where they will be playing the remainder of the season.

“As I told our guys I’m very pleased with how we’ve started this season. We still have a lot of work to do and we have to continue to improve in all facets of the game,” said Thunder head coach Amos Magee.

 

About the Silverbacks (1-1-2)
The Silverbacks are coming off a 2-2 draw against the Railhawks last Sunday, earning their second tie of the season. They currently sit in eighth place in the First Division standings. Two key players for the Silverbacks were just named to the USL First Division Team of the Week. Former Thunder player Ansu Toure and defender David Hayes stood out in the game against the Railhawks. Toure earned an important assist in that match, and Hayes scored the goal that tied the game in the 83rd minute. The Silverbacks are off to a slower season, losing to the Seattle Sounders and tying the Railhawks twice so far this year.

“Atlanta is a very talented, very experienced group that made it to the championship last year. They play well at home and in David Hayes they have one of the best attacking defenders in the league,” said Magee.

 

About the Railhawks (2-0-2)
The Railhawks are off to a strong start this season, seated in fourth place right under the Thunder with eight points. The Railhawks stand out player this season has been Dan Antoniuk. Antoniuk started off the scoring against the Silverbacks last Sunday, leading them to the 2-2 draw. Carolina is in its second season in existence and have not lost a match in 2008.

“We saw Carolina in preseason and they are a very solid and organized group. 2007 MVP finalist Dan Antoniuk has integrated well with Carolina and will provide us with a challenge on Sunday,” said Magee.