In marked contrast to last year's championship ring ceremony, the weather was grey, rainy, windy, cold, and the home team won. All day a light rain had fallen in the Twin Cities, creating a waterlogged, yet durable field. A light and occasionally gusting wind sent players who, after being substituted for, ran straight to the locker room for dry clothing.
In a pre-match interview with the Star Tribune, Buzz had said, "Ring ceremonies always make you nervous. Remember, we were in Rochester for its ring ceremony last year, and we beat them 1-0. I talked to the team about that on Friday."
Of larger interest to many folks, now that we had our team back home was, what would be the impact of the loss of Forward Amos Magee, and Defensive Midfielder Kalin Bankov, who were swept away by former Thunder GM Bill Manning when he moved up to MLS and the Tampa Bay Mutiny. This would be tested further with the knee injury to Central Defender John Coughlin, which would sideline him.
This was also an Open Cup match, which would expose the crowd to two on-field Referees. Several new variables we hoped would not sour the return of the Thunder to home turf after an opening 6-game road-trip, from which they returned 4-0-2 (W-L-D). Also in the back of our minds; Indiana was the last team to beat the Thunder at home with a 1-0 OT win last August.
With many questions waiting to be answered, the match got underway. The Thunder opened the rout in the first minute with a cross from the left side by defender Donny Gramenz to midfielder (and last year's leading scorer) Stoian Mladenov who headed the ball to the back of the net. Five minutes later, a repeat performance from Gramenz and Mladenov, but to the side netting for a 2-0 lead. Liberian sensation John Menyongar netted the third goal after picking up a lose ball in the box following a corner kick. Gerard Lagos picked up the final goal, all four being in the first half, the last in stoppage time. One thing seemed clear throughout the first half. It was not that Indiana was playing badly, it was that the Thunder were playing with such confidence. I recall feeling in the later part of last season, the boys would go all the way this year. They are playing with so much confidence as a team, and it shows all over the field. The same was true tonight. Additionally, some other questions were being answered as well.
The loss of Amos Magee has been very nicely offset by young sensation John Menyonger. For a man of John's stature (5'4"), you would think he would be at a disadvantage playing up top. This was definitely not the case. Not only does John have great speed, but with his low center of gravity and strong upper body strength, he held off defenders with little trouble. Besides the 3rd goal he scored off the feed by Eric Otto, he harassed the Indiana defense the entire match with his quick cutting runs and turns with the ball at his feet under at times intense pressure.
Halftime: Thunder 4 - Indiana 0
The second half was played more slowly by both sides, despite three halftime substitutions by Indiana and two more shortly afterwards. Both teams seemed content to ride out the rain. Notably, Indiana had, depending on the judgement of the scorer, maybe one shot on goal.
Our replacement for Defensive Midfield is US U23 Olympic Team Midfielder Brian Winters. Brian had a solid match, and with no specific memories either way, shows he was solid in his performance. One other notable standout was Ubusuku Abukusuma, who started in place of injured John Coughlin. Buka played solidly in Defense, showed he was right at home with this Thunder defense that frustrates many.
The crowd weathered a very cold and raw evening to see the Thunder at their home opener, play with the same confidence and control as last seasons team that finally went all the way. There is a long season in front of us, but I must admit that I see the same team, if not a shade better, this year over last, and playing with a confidence that will allow them to weather any storm. Our biggest advantage now is a string of home games, and very little travel to allow them to settle in even more.
With the balance of the 1999 A-League Championship Thunder team intact, this is looking to be an exciting home stretch for us. Here's hoping no one comes into town, and successfully plays to role of spoiler.
Final: Thunder 4 - Indiana 0
Goals: Stoian Mladenov (Don Gramenz) 2, Stoian Mladenov (Don Gramenz) 12, John Menyongar (Eric Otto) 29, Gerard Lagos (Brian Winters) 45.
MINNESOTA -- John Swallen, Ubusuku Abukusuma (Mark Schulte, 74), Eric Otto, John Sylvester, Don Gramenz, Aaron Leventhal, Morgan Zeba (Mike Gentile, 63), Brian Winters, Stoian Mladenov (Nate Winkel, 82), John Menyongar (Mark Abboud, 67), Gerard Lagos (Paul Schneider, 67).
INDIANA -- Fred Denton, Tim Foster, Andy Parrish (Gino DiGuardi, 46), Jon Pickup, Mark Allen, Andy McDermott (Loren Crawford, 46), Chris Duff, Dustin Ottesen (John Menk, 63), Peter Baah, Jeff Dresser, Matt Caution (Matt Ogden, 74).
SHOTS -- Minnesota 17, Indiana 2. SAVES -- Swallen (MIN) 1, Denton (IND) 8; FOULS -- Indiana 9, Minnesota 6; OFFSIDES -- Indiana 6, Minnesota 2; CORNER KICKS -- Minnesota 11, Indiana 2; CAUTIONS -- Odgen (IND) 87; EJECTIONS -- None.
ATTENDANCE -- 1,227.
OFFICIALS -- Terry Vaughn, Augusto St. Silva, Aaron West, Sia Rahimi, Robert Petersen.
