Minnesota Thunder is an American professional soccer team, founded in 1990. The team is a member of the USL First Division, the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid.
They currently play at the National Sports Center in Blaine, Minnesota, around 19 miles north of downtown Minneapolis. The team is currently coached by Amos Magee. The team's colors are navy blue, light blue, silver and white.
The team has a sister organization, the Minnesota Lightning, who play in the women's USL W-League.
2008 Roster
as of June 3, 2008Year-by-year
| Year | League | Reg. Season | Playoffs | Open Cup |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | USISL | 1st, Midwest | Final | Did not enter |
| 1995 | USISL Pro League | 1st, Midwest East | Final | Did not qualify |
| 1996 | USISL Select League | 2nd, Central | Semifinals | Did not qualify |
| 1997 | USISL A-League | 5th, Central | Did not qualify | Did not qualify |
| 1998 | USISL A-League | 2nd, Central | Final | Did not qualify |
| 1999 | USL A-League | 1st, Central | Champion | 2nd Round |
| 2000 | USL A-League | 1st, Central | Final | 3rd Round |
| 2001 | USL A-League | 6th, Western | Did not qualify | Did not qualify |
| 2002 | USL A-League | 2nd, Central | Conference Semifinals | 3rd Round |
| 2003 | USL A-League | 2nd, Central | Final | 3rd Round |
| 2004 | USL A-League | 3rd, Western | Quarterfinals | Quarterfinals |
| 2005 | USL First Division | 10th | Did not qualify | Semifinals |
| 2006 | USL First Division | 12th | Did not qualify | 2nd Round |
| 2007 | USL First Division | 11th | Did not qualify | 2nd Round |
Stadium History
The Thunder's first home field was the National Sports Center in Blaine, Minnesota where they played until 2003. As of May 12, 2008, they have returned to the National Sports Center with a lease until 2011.In between, the Thunder played home matches at James Griffin Stadium, also known as "The Jimmy", in St Paul. The move to this stadium in central St. Paul was made in 2004 in an attempt to reduce overhead costs and market to a more urban and ethnic crowd.
The Metrodome is occasionally used as a home field. Macalester Stadium at Macalester College in St. Paul has also been used for games in the past.
Supporters
There is a group of active fans loosely grouped under the name the Dark Clouds The supporters will typically tailgate before the game and during halftime, sit behind the opposing bench during games, stand and chant throughout the game, and occasionally travel with the team on road games.Notable former players
Head Coaches
- Buzz Lagos (1990-2005)
- Amos Magee (2006-2008)
- Don Gramenz (2008-)
Hall of Fame
The following people have been inducted into the Minnesota Thunder Hall of Fame:
- Tony Pesznecker Inducted 1996
- Tony Sanneh Inducted 1996
- Manuel Lagos Inducted 1996
- John Swallen Inducted 2002
- Gerard Lagos Inducted 2002
- Tom Engstrom Inducted 2003
- Don Gramenz Inducted 2004
- Buzz Lagos Inducted 2005
- Amos Magee Inducted 2005
- Bill George Inducted 2006
Achievements
- A-League Championship:
- U.S. Open Cup:
- USISL Sizzling Nine Championship:
Trivia
- The Thunder have defeated four MLS teams in 2004 and 2005.
- The official mascot of the Minnesota Thunder is Thor.
External links
References
This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.
Last updated on Thursday July 24, 2008 at 21:01:45 PDT (GMT -0700)
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