Minnesota Thunder
Encyclopedia
Minnesota Thunder was an American professional soccer team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota
, United States
. Founded in 1990, the team played in the USL First Division
(USL-1), the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid
, until 2009. The team played its home games at the National Sports Center
in nearby Blaine, Minnesota
for its final two seasons. The team's colors were navy blue, light blue, silver, and white.
The team had a development team, Rochester Thunder
, now independent, which still plays in the USL Premier Development League
, and a sister organization, the Minnesota Lightning
, which played in the women's USL W-League. The Lightning's future is also uncertain.
the franchise was purchased by Minnesota investors and became the Minnesota Kicks
. The Minnesota Kicks played the state's first professional soccer game in May 1976 to a crowd of over twenty thousand at Metropolitan Stadium
. The team survived for six season competing in the North American Soccer League before folding after the 1981 season. After two years without a team the Fort Lauderdale Strikers were moved to Minnesota becoming the Minnesota Strikers
in 1984. The team played one season in the NASL before transferring to the Major Indoor Soccer League. The team disbanded in 1988 after the 1987-1988 season.
. The team scheduled five exhibition games against teams in the American Pro Soccer League. At the time the goal was to eventually get a semipro soccer team for the Twin Cities.
The Thunder operated on a budget of $35,000 dollars in their first year paying no salaries. The budget mainly supported stadium rental at the National Sports Center, office rental and promotions. In the first season the team played the against the amateur Madison 56ers, professional San Francisco Bay Blackhawks
and Winnipeg Fury
and the indoor professional Chicago Power
and Milwaukee Wave
. Attendance averaged around 1,000 fans a game.
In the first season the team lost around $12,000. The next year (1991) with the help of corporate sponsors Rainbow Foods, Kemps and Liberty State Bank the team played finished an expanded schedule with a record of eight victories and three ties losing $10,000 in the process. The following year the team added four more corporate sponsors and expected lose about $5,000 with a budget of $45,000 By their third season the team became a model for teams in Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison, and Canada due to their competitive schedule, reasonable budget and fan base As an amateur team, the Thunder was responsible for an opponent's hotel, food and lodging for each road trip. The team was undefeated through their first twenty games.
On July 15, 2004 coach Buzz Lagos earned his 300th victory. It was his 123rd since the Thunder joined the A-League in 1997. Lagos improved his record to 300-127-31 all-time as coach of the Thunder. Five days later Lagos led the Thunder to their first victory over a MLS team in a nonexhibtion game. The Thunder defeated the Los Angeles Galaxy in fourth round U.S. Open Cup game played to 5,505 fans at the Metrodome.
The 2005 season brought many changes to the Thunder. The Thunder's A-League and the lower Pro Soccer League were reorganized. The Thunder were placed in the twelve team First Division which previously had sixteen teams. Additionally, the team was sold to an ownership led by majority owner Saeed Kadkhodaian
. These changes led to Buzz Lagos announcing on August 1, 2005 that he would retire as coach after sixteen season. Lagos cited wanting to spend more time with his family as the main reason to retiring. On October 12, 2005 Amos Magee became the second head coach in the history of the Thunder. The Thunder also purchased a W-League
team in 2005. The team was eventually named the Minnesota Lightning
in 2006 before their opening season.
The Thunder defeated four MLS
teams over the course of the 2004
and 2005
U.S. Open Cup competitions.
in the Premier Development League.
In November 2009 the Thunder announced their intent to leave the USL First Division to become the co-founders of a new North American Soccer League
.
Minnesota's participation in this new league was, however, not to be. In early November 2009 they released all players from their contracts, partly in response to heavy debts and unpaid bills, including wages. The organization was operating with a skeleton staff of 3 people as they tried to reorganize in their final days.
In January 2010, the National Sports Center announced the formation of a new club, the NSC Minnesota Stars
that functions as a replacement for the Thunder.
The previous Thunder badge incorporated the logo of a capital 'T' and an active soccer ball on a shield reading "Minnesota Thunder". When on the team uniform, it also is adorned atop by a gold star commemorating the 1999 championship season.
The initial Thunder crest was a soccer ball with a thunderbolt crossing it followed by the text "Minnesota Thunder."
When the team became a professional organization, a new logo was created, consisting of an image of the state of Minnesota background with a soccer ball and thunderbolt imposed upon it.
In 2002, the Thunder undertook a marketing re-branding endeavor, where a new logo was created consisting of a soccer ball with movement lines and a T below the words of team's name.
In 2006, a new navy and gold "shield" logo was created by the Minneapolis design firm CAPSULE.
The official mascot of the Minnesota Thunder was Thor
.
The Thunder's first home field was the National Sports Center
in Blaine
, Minnesota
where they played until 2003. In 2003 the Thunder wanted to reduce the number of home games played at the National Sports Center to seven. The Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission which owns the National Sports Center was not comfortable with the idea so the Thunder decided to look elsewhere. Their three year lease expired in 2003 leaving them open to search for other facilities for 2004. At the time revenue from the Thunder accounted for less than one percent of the National Sports Center's total revenue. Barclay Kruse, the associate director of the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission described the situation as, "The best way to describe it is that we're disappointed."
In 2004 the Thunder played home matches at James Griffin Stadium
, also known as "The Jimmy", in St Paul. The move to this stadium in central Saint Paul was made in an attempt to reduce overhead costs and market to a more urban and ethnic crowd. According to then president and general manager Jim Froslid some of the deciding were being on a bus line (mass transit does not go to Blaine) and being accessible to the ethnic community.
Fan surveys indicated that they would attend more games if the Thunder played in a more central location.
On May 12, 2008, they returned to the National Sports Center with a lease until 2011. At the time the Thunder was the only team in the USL to not play in a soccer specific stadium and the only team that played on with painted American football lines.
The Metrodome
was occasionally used as a home field. Macalester Stadium at Macalester College
in St. Paul was also used for games in the past. While playing at the National Sports Center the Thunder traditionally played several games a year in other locations notably Macalester College
or Eastview High School
in Apple Valley
.
Chugger Adair
Chato Alvarado Kevin Anderson
Kalin Bankov
Constantin Stănici
Todd Dusosky
Alfredo Esteves
Marco Ferruzzi
Tim Foster
Mike Gentile
Zafer Kılıçkan
Sasha Gotsmanov
Sergey Gotsmanov
Don Gramenz
Matt Holmes Gerard Lagos
Manuel Lagos Jon Lowery Amos Magee
Thiago Martins
John Menk Johnny Menyongar
Stoian Mladenov
Pierre Morice
Joshua Okoampa
Nick Pasquarello Tony Pesznecker
Tom Presthus
Tony Sanneh
John Swallen
John Sylvester
Johnny Torres
Ansu Toure
Siniša Ubiparipović
Morgan Zeba
Minnesota
Minnesota is a U.S. state located in the Midwestern United States. The twelfth largest state of the U.S., it is the twenty-first most populous, with 5.3 million residents. Minnesota was carved out of the eastern half of the Minnesota Territory and admitted to the Union as the thirty-second state...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. Founded in 1990, the team played in the USL First Division
USL First Division
The United Soccer Leagues First Division was a professional men's soccer league in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico....
(USL-1), the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid
American Soccer Pyramid
The United States soccer pyramid is a term used in soccer to describe the structure of the league system in the United States. The country's governing body for the sport, the United States Soccer Federation , oversees the system but does not operate any of its component leagues—with one temporary...
, until 2009. The team played its home games at the National Sports Center
National Sports Center
The National Sports Center is a 600-acre multi-sport complex located in Blaine, Minnesota, United States, that includes a soccer stadium, over 50 full-sized soccer fields, a golf course, a velodrome, a meeting and convention facility, and an eight-sheet ice rink, the Schwan Super Rink, which is...
in nearby Blaine, Minnesota
Blaine, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 44,942 people, 15,898 households, and 12,177 families residing in the city. The population density is 1,330 people per square mile . There are 16,169 housing units at an average density of 477.6 per square mile...
for its final two seasons. The team's colors were navy blue, light blue, silver, and white.
The team had a development team, Rochester Thunder
Rochester Thunder
Rochester Thunder was an American soccer team based in Rochester, Minnesota, United States. Founded in 2008, the team played in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Heartland Division of the Central Conference...
, now independent, which still plays in the USL Premier Development League
USL Premier Development League
The USL Premier Development League is the amateur league of the United Soccer Leagues in the United States, Canada, and Bermuda, forming part of the American Soccer Pyramid...
, and a sister organization, the Minnesota Lightning
Minnesota Lightning
Minnesota Lightning was an American women’s soccer team, founded in 2006. The team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues W-League, the second tier of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada. The team plays in the Midwest Division of the Central Conference...
, which played in the women's USL W-League. The Lightning's future is also uncertain.
Before the Thunder
Prior to the Minnesota Thunder forming in 1990 Minnesota had two former professional soccer teams. After two seasons as the Denver DynamosDenver Dynamos
The Denver Dynamos were a soccer team based out of Denver that played in the NASL from 1974 to 1975.Their home field was Mile High Stadium. After the 1975 season, they moved to Minnesota and became the Minnesota Kicks.-Year-by-year:...
the franchise was purchased by Minnesota investors and became the Minnesota Kicks
Minnesota Kicks
Minnesota Kicks were a professional soccer team that played at Metropolitan Stadium in Bloomington, Minnesota from 1976 to 1981. The team was a member of the now defunct North American Soccer League. The team had relocated to Minnesota after having been based in Denver, Colorado as the Denver Dynamos...
. The Minnesota Kicks played the state's first professional soccer game in May 1976 to a crowd of over twenty thousand at Metropolitan Stadium
Metropolitan Stadium
Metropolitan Stadium was a sports stadium that once stood in Bloomington, Minnesota, just outside Minneapolis. The area where the stadium once stood is now the site of the Mall of America...
. The team survived for six season competing in the North American Soccer League before folding after the 1981 season. After two years without a team the Fort Lauderdale Strikers were moved to Minnesota becoming the Minnesota Strikers
Minnesota Strikers
The Minnesota Strikers was an American professional soccer team located in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area. The team played one season in the North American Soccer League and 4 seasons in the Major Indoor Soccer League....
in 1984. The team played one season in the NASL before transferring to the Major Indoor Soccer League. The team disbanded in 1988 after the 1987-1988 season.
Independent era (1990–1993)
The team was founded as an all star team in 1990. The team was composed of top amateur and former professional players who were mostly in their late 20s or early 30s. The team was coached by then Saint Paul Academy soccer coach Buzz LagosBuzz Lagos
Buzz Lagos is the former head coach of the Minnesota Thunder. Until he retired in 2005, he was the only coach in team history. He coached the Thunder for 16 years with an impressive overall record of 324-148-46, and led the team to four A-league Championship matches , winning the championship...
. The team scheduled five exhibition games against teams in the American Pro Soccer League. At the time the goal was to eventually get a semipro soccer team for the Twin Cities.
The Thunder operated on a budget of $35,000 dollars in their first year paying no salaries. The budget mainly supported stadium rental at the National Sports Center, office rental and promotions. In the first season the team played the against the amateur Madison 56ers, professional San Francisco Bay Blackhawks
San Francisco Bay Blackhawks
San Francisco Bay Blackhawks was a professional soccer team which came into existence in 1989 as a team in the Western Soccer League . The Blackhawks spent time in the American Professional Soccer League and the United States Interregional Soccer League...
and Winnipeg Fury
Winnipeg Fury
The Winnipeg Fury was a professional soccer team in Winnipeg. It was founded by Ralph Cantafio, who served as Team President and Chairman of the Board. The team was part of the Canadian Soccer League from 1987 to 1992. The Fury belonged to the former Canadian National Soccer League for 1993...
and the indoor professional Chicago Power
Chicago Power
The Chicago Power were an indoor soccer club based in Chicago, Illinois that competed in the American Indoor Soccer Association and National Professional Soccer League.After the 1995/96 season, the team became the Edmonton Drillers.-Year-by-year:...
and Milwaukee Wave
Milwaukee Wave
The Milwaukee Wave is an American professional indoor soccer team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. Founded in 1984 they are the oldest continuously operating professional soccer team in North Americaand a member of the Major Indoor Soccer League....
. Attendance averaged around 1,000 fans a game.
In the first season the team lost around $12,000. The next year (1991) with the help of corporate sponsors Rainbow Foods, Kemps and Liberty State Bank the team played finished an expanded schedule with a record of eight victories and three ties losing $10,000 in the process. The following year the team added four more corporate sponsors and expected lose about $5,000 with a budget of $45,000 By their third season the team became a model for teams in Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison, and Canada due to their competitive schedule, reasonable budget and fan base As an amateur team, the Thunder was responsible for an opponent's hotel, food and lodging for each road trip. The team was undefeated through their first twenty games.
Buzz Lagos era (1994–2005)
On November 13, 1993 the Thunder announced its intention to join the U.S. Interregional Soccer League. The team joined the Midwest Region and retained their amateur status for the 1994 season. The team finished the year 25-2 losing in a sudden-death shootout to the Greensboro Dynamo in the championship game. The team became professional for the 1995 season.On July 15, 2004 coach Buzz Lagos earned his 300th victory. It was his 123rd since the Thunder joined the A-League in 1997. Lagos improved his record to 300-127-31 all-time as coach of the Thunder. Five days later Lagos led the Thunder to their first victory over a MLS team in a nonexhibtion game. The Thunder defeated the Los Angeles Galaxy in fourth round U.S. Open Cup game played to 5,505 fans at the Metrodome.
The 2005 season brought many changes to the Thunder. The Thunder's A-League and the lower Pro Soccer League were reorganized. The Thunder were placed in the twelve team First Division which previously had sixteen teams. Additionally, the team was sold to an ownership led by majority owner Saeed Kadkhodaian
Saeed Kadkhodaian
Saeed Kadkhodaian is a retired American soccer player, former team owner and currently the president of Azad, Inc. Soccer USA and Doostan, Inc. Soccer USA. He had previously played for, owned and coached the Austin Sockadillos and owned the Minnesota Thunder from 2005 to 2007.Kadkhodaian, a native...
. These changes led to Buzz Lagos announcing on August 1, 2005 that he would retire as coach after sixteen season. Lagos cited wanting to spend more time with his family as the main reason to retiring. On October 12, 2005 Amos Magee became the second head coach in the history of the Thunder. The Thunder also purchased a W-League
W-League
The USL W-League is a national women's soccer league in the United States on the 2nd level of women's soccer in the United States soccer pyramid, alongside the Women's Premier Soccer League and below Women's Professional Soccer....
team in 2005. The team was eventually named the Minnesota Lightning
Minnesota Lightning
Minnesota Lightning was an American women’s soccer team, founded in 2006. The team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues W-League, the second tier of women’s soccer in the United States and Canada. The team plays in the Midwest Division of the Central Conference...
in 2006 before their opening season.
The Thunder defeated four MLS
Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer is a professional soccer league based in the United States and sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation . The league is composed of 19 teams — 16 in the U.S. and 3 in Canada...
teams over the course of the 2004
2004 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup
-Schedule:Note: Scorelines use the standard U.S. convention of placing the home team on the right-hand side of box scores.-First round:Eight PDL and eight USASA teams start.-----Second round:Six PSL and two A-League teams enter....
and 2005
2005 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup
-Schedule:Note: Scorelines use the standard U.S. convention of placing the home team on the right-hand side of box scores.-Qualifying round:Teams from USASA and PDL start.-----First round:Teams from USASA, PDL, and USL-2.----...
U.S. Open Cup competitions.
Final Years (2005–2009)
Beginning in August 2007 the team spent $400,000 on a beer garden called the Thunder Lounge and started the Minnesota Thunder Academy. The team also founded the Rochester ThunderRochester Thunder
Rochester Thunder was an American soccer team based in Rochester, Minnesota, United States. Founded in 2008, the team played in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Heartland Division of the Central Conference...
in the Premier Development League.
In November 2009 the Thunder announced their intent to leave the USL First Division to become the co-founders of a new North American Soccer League
North American Soccer League
North American Soccer League was a professional soccer league with teams in the United States and Canada that operated from 1968 to 1984.-History:...
.
Minnesota's participation in this new league was, however, not to be. In early November 2009 they released all players from their contracts, partly in response to heavy debts and unpaid bills, including wages. The organization was operating with a skeleton staff of 3 people as they tried to reorganize in their final days.
In January 2010, the National Sports Center announced the formation of a new club, the NSC Minnesota Stars
NSC Minnesota Stars
The NSC Minnesota Stars is an American professional soccer team based in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area in Minnesota, United States. Founded in 2010, the team plays in the North American Soccer League , the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid...
that functions as a replacement for the Thunder.
Colors and badge
A new logo using the colors of navy blue, light blue, and silver was unveiled for the 2008 season. The identity was designed by the Minneapolis design firm Capsule.The previous Thunder badge incorporated the logo of a capital 'T' and an active soccer ball on a shield reading "Minnesota Thunder". When on the team uniform, it also is adorned atop by a gold star commemorating the 1999 championship season.
The initial Thunder crest was a soccer ball with a thunderbolt crossing it followed by the text "Minnesota Thunder."
When the team became a professional organization, a new logo was created, consisting of an image of the state of Minnesota background with a soccer ball and thunderbolt imposed upon it.
In 2002, the Thunder undertook a marketing re-branding endeavor, where a new logo was created consisting of a soccer ball with movement lines and a T below the words of team's name.
In 2006, a new navy and gold "shield" logo was created by the Minneapolis design firm CAPSULE.
The official mascot of the Minnesota Thunder was Thor
Thor
In Norse mythology, Thor is a hammer-wielding god associated with thunder, lightning, storms, oak trees, strength, the protection of mankind, and also hallowing, healing, and fertility...
.
Stadiums
- National Sports CenterNational Sports CenterThe National Sports Center is a 600-acre multi-sport complex located in Blaine, Minnesota, United States, that includes a soccer stadium, over 50 full-sized soccer fields, a golf course, a velodrome, a meeting and convention facility, and an eight-sheet ice rink, the Schwan Super Rink, which is...
; BlaineBlaine, MinnesotaAs of the census of 2000, there were 44,942 people, 15,898 households, and 12,177 families residing in the city. The population density is 1,330 people per square mile . There are 16,169 housing units at an average density of 477.6 per square mile...
, MinnesotaMinnesotaMinnesota is a U.S. state located in the Midwestern United States. The twelfth largest state of the U.S., it is the twenty-first most populous, with 5.3 million residents. Minnesota was carved out of the eastern half of the Minnesota Territory and admitted to the Union as the thirty-second state...
(1990–2003, 2008–2009) - James Griffin StadiumJames Griffin StadiumJames Griffin Stadium is a 4,367-capacity stadium in Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA. Although it is located on the grounds of Saint Paul Central High School, it was also home the Concordia University, Saint Paul's football and women's soccer teams until 2008...
; St. Paul, Minnesota (2004–2007) - Hubert H. Humphrey MetrodomeHubert H. Humphrey MetrodomeThe Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, commonly called the Metrodome, is a domed sports stadium in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. Opened in 1982, it replaced Metropolitan Stadium, which was on the current site of the Mall of America in Bloomington and Memorial Stadium on the University...
; Minneapolis, Minnesota 2 games (2004–2005) - Macalester Stadium at Macalester CollegeMacalester CollegeMacalester College is a private, coeducational liberal arts college located in Saint Paul, Minnesota. It was founded in 1874 as a Presbyterian-affiliated but nonsectarian college. Its first class entered September 15, 1885. The college is located on a campus in a historic residential neighborhood...
; St. Paul, Minnesota 1 game (2004) - Stadium at Stillwater High SchoolStillwater Area High SchoolStillwater Area High School is a public school located in Oak Park Heights, Minnesota and is part of the Stillwater Area Public Schools - District 834...
; Oak Park HeightsOak Park Heights, MinnesotaOak Park Heights is a city in Washington County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 4,339 at the 2010 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all land...
, Minnesota 1 game (2004)
The Thunder's first home field was the National Sports Center
National Sports Center
The National Sports Center is a 600-acre multi-sport complex located in Blaine, Minnesota, United States, that includes a soccer stadium, over 50 full-sized soccer fields, a golf course, a velodrome, a meeting and convention facility, and an eight-sheet ice rink, the Schwan Super Rink, which is...
in Blaine
Blaine, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 44,942 people, 15,898 households, and 12,177 families residing in the city. The population density is 1,330 people per square mile . There are 16,169 housing units at an average density of 477.6 per square mile...
, Minnesota
Minnesota
Minnesota is a U.S. state located in the Midwestern United States. The twelfth largest state of the U.S., it is the twenty-first most populous, with 5.3 million residents. Minnesota was carved out of the eastern half of the Minnesota Territory and admitted to the Union as the thirty-second state...
where they played until 2003. In 2003 the Thunder wanted to reduce the number of home games played at the National Sports Center to seven. The Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission which owns the National Sports Center was not comfortable with the idea so the Thunder decided to look elsewhere. Their three year lease expired in 2003 leaving them open to search for other facilities for 2004. At the time revenue from the Thunder accounted for less than one percent of the National Sports Center's total revenue. Barclay Kruse, the associate director of the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission described the situation as, "The best way to describe it is that we're disappointed."
In 2004 the Thunder played home matches at James Griffin Stadium
James Griffin Stadium
James Griffin Stadium is a 4,367-capacity stadium in Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA. Although it is located on the grounds of Saint Paul Central High School, it was also home the Concordia University, Saint Paul's football and women's soccer teams until 2008...
, also known as "The Jimmy", in St Paul. The move to this stadium in central Saint Paul was made in an attempt to reduce overhead costs and market to a more urban and ethnic crowd. According to then president and general manager Jim Froslid some of the deciding were being on a bus line (mass transit does not go to Blaine) and being accessible to the ethnic community.
Fan surveys indicated that they would attend more games if the Thunder played in a more central location.
On May 12, 2008, they returned to the National Sports Center with a lease until 2011. At the time the Thunder was the only team in the USL to not play in a soccer specific stadium and the only team that played on with painted American football lines.
The Metrodome
Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, commonly called the Metrodome, is a domed sports stadium in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. Opened in 1982, it replaced Metropolitan Stadium, which was on the current site of the Mall of America in Bloomington and Memorial Stadium on the University...
was occasionally used as a home field. Macalester Stadium at Macalester College
Macalester College
Macalester College is a private, coeducational liberal arts college located in Saint Paul, Minnesota. It was founded in 1874 as a Presbyterian-affiliated but nonsectarian college. Its first class entered September 15, 1885. The college is located on a campus in a historic residential neighborhood...
in St. Paul was also used for games in the past. While playing at the National Sports Center the Thunder traditionally played several games a year in other locations notably Macalester College
Macalester College
Macalester College is a private, coeducational liberal arts college located in Saint Paul, Minnesota. It was founded in 1874 as a Presbyterian-affiliated but nonsectarian college. Its first class entered September 15, 1885. The college is located on a campus in a historic residential neighborhood...
or Eastview High School
Eastview High School
Eastview High School is a comprehensive and college preparatory public high school located in Apple Valley, Minnesota, USA. Established in 1997, Eastview is the newest of the four high schools serving Independent School District 196. Newsweek ranked the school in their "List of the Top High Schools...
in Apple Valley
Apple Valley, Minnesota
As of the census of 2000, there were 45,527 people, 16,344 households, and 12,405 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,625.5 people per square mile . There were 16,536 housing units at an average density of 953.6 per square mile...
.
Supporters
There was a group of active fans loosely grouped under the name The Dark Clouds. The supporters would 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. For the 2009 season an additional supporters section was added in the North End of the stadium adjacent to the new beergarden. This section was dubbed, "Stand Du Nord" and is home to additional supporters groups including, The Dale Weiler Fan Club, and The Damagers.Final roster
Notable former players
Mark AbboudMark Abboud
Mark Abboud is a retired American soccer midfielder who played two season in the American Professional Soccer League, one in the National Professional Soccer League, and seven in the USISL and USL A-League. He also played in France, Belgium and the UAE.-Player:Abboud attended Mayo High School in...
Chugger Adair
Charles Adair (footballer)
Charles "Chugger" Adair is a retired American soccer player and current soccer coach. He spent two seasons in the Continental Indoor Soccer League, two in the National Professional Soccer League and seven in the USISL A-League / USL First Division.-Youth:...
Chato Alvarado Kevin Anderson
Kevin Anderson (soccer)
Kevin Anderson is a retired American soccer midfielder who played professionally in the Major League Soccer and the USL A-League. He is the head coach of the University of Columbia men’s soccer team.-Youth:...
Kalin Bankov
Kalin Bankov
Kalin Bankov is a Bulgarian former international footballer who played professionally in Bulgaria and the United States as a defender.-Career:...
Constantin Stănici
Constantin Stănici
Constantin Stanici is a former Romanian footballer who played as a Midfielder.-References:...
Todd Dusosky
Todd Dusosky
Todd Dusosky is a retired American soccer forward who spent most of his career with indoor teams. He also played a handful of seasons in the USL A-League.-Soccer:...
Alfredo Esteves
Alfredo Esteves
Alfredo Manuel Mousinho Esteves is a Portuguese-East Timorese footballer. He currently plays for the NSW Premier League side Wollongong FC as a defender.- International career :...
Marco Ferruzzi
Marco Ferruzzi
Marco Ferruzzi is an American soccer coach who is currently the assistant coach of FC Dallas. He had a ten year professional career playing as a midfielder in several indoor and outdoor leagues including Major League Soccer and the USL First Division.-Youth:In 1987, Ferruzzi played in one game...
Tim Foster
Tim Foster
Timothy "Tim" James Carrington Foster MBE is a British rower. He began rowing at Bedford Modern School and competed in the Junior World Rowing Championships in 1987 and 1988. In the latter he competed in a pair with a Matthew Pinsent. He became the first British rower to win gold medals at two...
Mike Gentile
Mike Gentile
Mike Gentile was a U.S. soccer midfielder who, while drafted twice by teams in Major League Soccer, spent his seven season career in the second division USISL...
Zafer Kılıçkan
Zafer Kiliçkan
Zafer Kılıçkan is a former Turkish football midfielder who last played for USL First Division side Minnesota Thunder.-Club career:...
Sasha Gotsmanov
Sasha Gotsmanov
Sasha Gotsmanov is an American-Belarusian soccer player, who spent one season in the MLS and two in the USL First Division....
Sergey Gotsmanov
Sergey Gotsmanov
Sergey Anatolyevich Gotsmanov is a former Belarusian footballer who played for the USSR in the 1980s.-Dinamo Minsk:...
Don Gramenz
Don Gramenz
Don Gramenz is a retired American soccer player who played as a defender for Minnesota Thunder for eleven seasons, being named to the club's Hall of Fame. Gramenz played collegiately at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, where he was a team captain. He served as the interim manager of the...
Matt Holmes Gerard Lagos
Gerard Lagos
Gerard Lagos is a retired American soccer player who played for the Minnesota Thunder. His father is Buzz Lagos and his brother is Manny Lagos.-Professional:...
Manuel Lagos Jon Lowery Amos Magee
Amos Magee
Amos Magee is the former head coach of the Minnesota Thunder. Magee received his bachelors degree from Wesleyan University and his masters in Public Affairs from the University of Minnesota...
Thiago Martins
Thiago Martins
Thiago Martins is a retired Brazilian football striker.-Early Life and Amateur Career:Martins was born on the east side of São Paulo, Brazil, and came to the United States in 1996. He landed in Los Angeles, California, at 19 years old and with little money...
John Menk Johnny Menyongar
Johnny Menyongar
Johnny Menyongar is a Liberian footballer currently playing for Shillong Lajong F.C. in India's I-League.-College:...
Stoian Mladenov
Stoian Mladenov
Stoian Mladenov is a retired Bulgarian football midfielder who played professionally in Europe and the United States.In 1993, Mladenov began his career with Lokomotiv Ruse before moving to Rakovski Ruse in 1994 and F.C. Etar in 1995. Mladenov left Bulgaria for Malta in 1996, signing with Nadur...
Pierre Morice
Pierre Morice
Pierre Morice is a retired French footballer. He played seven seasons for Nantes in the 1980s. He later played some in the United States in the USL with the Minnesota Thunder.-References:*...
Joshua Okoampa
Joshua Okoampa
Joshua Drew Opoku Okoampa is a former U.S.-Ghanaian soccer player, he has last played for Türkiyemspor Berlin.-Career:...
Nick Pasquarello Tony Pesznecker
Tony Pesznecker
Tony Peszneker is a former Canadian professional soccer player.Peszneker played professionally for both the Minnesota Kicks of the North American Soccer League and the Minnesota Thunder of the USL. He also played for the Edmonton Eagles and Edmonton Brickmen in professional outdoor leagues and...
Tom Presthus
Tom Presthus
Thomas “Tom” Presthus is a retired U.S. soccer goalkeeper. He spent seven seasons in Major League Soccer and earned one caps with the U.S. national team in 1999.-Youth:...
Tony Sanneh
Tony Sanneh
Anthony "Tony" Sanneh is an American soccer player who most recently played for Los Angeles Galaxy in Major League Soccer.-Youth and college:...
John Swallen
John Swallen
John Swallen is a retired American soccer player who played professionally with the Minnesota Thunder for twelve seasons. Swallen, a goalkeeper, was named to the Thunder Hall of Fame in 2002, following the conclusion of his Thunder career...
John Sylvester
John Sylvester
John "Jack" Sylvester was an officer in the United States Navy who served from the 1930s to the 1960s and rose to the rank of Vice Admiral.-Background:...
Johnny Torres
Johnny Torres
Johnny Torres is a Colombian-American soccer midfielder and coach who is currently the interim head coach of his alma mater, Creighton University. Torres has played in Major League Soccer, USL-1, and currently also plays for the Omaha Vipers of the Major Indoor Soccer League. He has also earned...
Ansu Toure
Ansu Toure
Ansu Toure is a Liberian footaller who currently plays for FC Locarno in the Swiss Challenge League.-Youth and Amateur:...
Siniša Ubiparipović
Siniša Ubiparipovic
Siniša Ubiparipović is a Bosnian footballer who currently plays for Montreal Impact in Major League Soccer.-Early life:...
Morgan Zeba
Morgan Zeba
Morgan Zeba is a Swedish professional footballer who played professionally in the United States.In 1997, Zeba played for the Richmond Kickers in the USISL. On April 16, 1998, he signed with the Minnesota Thunder and played for them through the 2001 season. In 1999, Zeba and his team mates won...
- See also: All-time Minnesota Thunder rosterAll-time Minnesota Thunder rosterThis list comprises all players who have participated in at least one league match for Minnesota Thunder from the time the USL began keeping archived records in 2003, until the team's last competitive season in 2008...
Hall of Fame
The following people have been inducted into the Minnesota Thunder Hall of Fame:- Tony PeszneckerTony PeszneckerTony Peszneker is a former Canadian professional soccer player.Peszneker played professionally for both the Minnesota Kicks of the North American Soccer League and the Minnesota Thunder of the USL. He also played for the Edmonton Eagles and Edmonton Brickmen in professional outdoor leagues and...
Inducted 1996 - Tony SannehTony SannehAnthony "Tony" Sanneh is an American soccer player who most recently played for Los Angeles Galaxy in Major League Soccer.-Youth and college:...
Inducted 1996 - Manuel Lagos Inducted 1996
- John SwallenJohn SwallenJohn Swallen is a retired American soccer player who played professionally with the Minnesota Thunder for twelve seasons. Swallen, a goalkeeper, was named to the Thunder Hall of Fame in 2002, following the conclusion of his Thunder career...
Inducted 2002 - Gerard LagosGerard LagosGerard Lagos is a retired American soccer player who played for the Minnesota Thunder. His father is Buzz Lagos and his brother is Manny Lagos.-Professional:...
Inducted 2002 - Tom Engstrom Inducted 2003
- Don GramenzDon GramenzDon Gramenz is a retired American soccer player who played as a defender for Minnesota Thunder for eleven seasons, being named to the club's Hall of Fame. Gramenz played collegiately at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, where he was a team captain. He served as the interim manager of the...
Inducted 2004 - Buzz LagosBuzz LagosBuzz Lagos is the former head coach of the Minnesota Thunder. Until he retired in 2005, he was the only coach in team history. He coached the Thunder for 16 years with an impressive overall record of 324-148-46, and led the team to four A-league Championship matches , winning the championship...
Inducted 2005 - Amos MageeAmos MageeAmos Magee is the former head coach of the Minnesota Thunder. Magee received his bachelors degree from Wesleyan University and his masters in Public Affairs from the University of Minnesota...
Inducted 2005 - Bill George Inducted 2006
Year-by-year
| Year | Division | League | Reg. Season | Playoffs | Open Cup | Avg. Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | 2 | USISL | 1st, Midwest | Final | Did not enter | |
| 1995 | 2 | USISL Pro League | 1st, Midwest East | Final | Did not qualify | |
| 1996 | 3 | USISL Select League | 2nd, Central | Semifinals | Did not qualify | |
| 1997 | 2 | USISL A-League | 5th, Central | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | 3,852 |
| 1998 | 2 | USISL A-League | 2nd, Central | Final | Did not qualify | 3,543 |
| 1999 | 2 | USL A-League | 1st, Central | Champion | 2nd Round | 3,126 |
| 2000 | 2 | USL A-League | 1st, Central | Final | 3rd Round | 3,588 |
| 2001 | 2 | USL A-League | 6th, Western | Did not qualify | Did not qualify | 3,512 |
| 2002 | 2 | USL A-League | 2nd, Central | Conference Semifinals | 3rd Round | 3,862 |
| 2003 | 2 | USL A-League | 2nd, Central | Final | 3rd Round | 4,101 |
| 2004 | 2 | USL A-League | 3rd, Western | Quarterfinals | Quarterfinals | 2,961 |
| 2005 United Soccer Leagues 2005 -General:* A-League renamed USL First Division.* Pro Soccer League renamed USL Second Division.* The newly renamed top two divisions each become single table.... |
2 | USL First Division | 10th | Did not qualify | Semifinals | 3,135 |
| 2006 United Soccer Leagues 2006 -General:* Miami FC joined the First Division.* The Richmond Kickers departed the First Division for the Second Division.* The Northern Virginia Royals departed the Second Division for the Premier Development League .... |
2 | USL First Division | 12th | Did not qualify | 2nd Round | 2,925 |
| 2007 United Soccer Leagues 2007 The 2007 Season is the 21st edition of the United Soccer Leagues season.The season kicked off on Friday, April 13 when the 2006 league runners-up Rochester Raging Rhinos traveled to the Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium in Bayamon to take on the Puerto Rico Islanders.-General:* Two new teams join the... |
2 | USL First Division | 11th | Did not qualify | 2nd Round | 3,151 |
| 2008 United Soccer Leagues 2008 The 2008 Season is the 22nd edition of the United Soccer Leagues season.The season kicked off on Friday, April 12 with two First Division games, as the Charleston Battery visited Miami FC and the Montreal Impact visited the Vancouver Whitecaps.-General:... |
2 | USL First Division | 7th | Quarterfinals | 2nd Round | 3,573 |
| 2009 United Soccer Leagues 2009 The 2009 season is the 23rd season played by the United Soccer Leagues. Season titles will be contested by 20 professional men's clubs in the USL First Division and USL Second Division, as well as 37 professional and amateur women's clubs in the W-League and 68 professional and amateur men's teams... |
2 | USL First Division | 8th | Did not qualify | 3rd Round | 3,209 |
Honors
- USL A-League
- Winners (1): 1999
- Runners-up (3): 1998, 2000, 2003
- Midwest Division Champions (1): 1994*
- Midwest East Division Champions (1): 1995*
- Central Division Champions (2): 1999, 2000
- U.S. Open CupLamar Hunt U.S. Open CupThe Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is a knockout tournament in American soccer. The tournament is the oldest ongoing American soccer competition and is presently open to all United States Soccer Federation affiliated teams, from amateur adult club teams to the professional clubs of Major League...
- Semifinals (1): 2005
- Quarterfinals (1): 2004
- USISL Sizzling Nine Championship
- Runners-up (2): 1994, 1995