2009 Minnesota Thunder news and notes — Let the season begin

The Minnesota Thunder will begin their 2009 season Saturday evening in Carry, North Carolina as they take on the revamped Railhawks. The Railhawks underwent front office changes and then hired former USL-2 manager, Martin Rennie. Rennie has reinvented the team with only four players remaining from last years roster. With Rennie’s coaching and the players he’s brought to the team, many prognosticators are looking for an upper place finish in the table this year. But Don Gramenz, head coach for the Thunder says his team is ready for the challenge. “The men are ready,” said Gramenz on Thursday before the opening weekend. “It has been a great week of training and, more importantly, everyone has been training. We can’t wait for the battle on Saturday night! The adrenaline has kicked in.”

The first year Thunder coach says the team’s health is the best it’s been since beginning of pre-season. He will take 17 players with him on the flight to North Carolina: Goalkeepers, Nic Platter and Mat Van Oekel along with field players Rich Costanzo, Marcus Watson, Brian Kallman, Andres Arango, Andrew Peterson, Kevin Friedland, Dale Weiler, Lawrence Olum, Jeremiah Bass, Rod Dyachenko, Youssouf Kante, Quvas Kirk, Dan O’Brien, Melvin Tarley, and Brian Cvilikas.

Gramenz says he expects the Railhawks to play Rennie’s basic formation. “I think they’ll play a 4-3-3 or however you want to spin it 4-1-4-1 or 4-1-2-3.” Gramenz stated he thought the Railhawk players will be very excited for their home opener and come out flying with high pressure. “I expect balls from their back four to bypass their midfield and they will try to play in our half,” analyzed Gramenz. “Our game plan is to step on the WakeMed grounds with confidence, patience and composure and get a positive result just like any other game we will play. We will defend with all 11 players and we will attack with all 11 players. It’s going to be a great game!”

Other notes:

USL Live- The Minnesota Thunder have been informed by the United Soccer Leagues that USL Live will be up and running for Saturday night’s game. USL announced two weeks ago that this season’s games will be free of charge and available live or “on demand.” The USL Live web site was still not up as of Friday afternoon but Seth Witkowicz, Marketing & Communications Manager for USL said the site will be up and running on Saturday evening.

EDITORS NOTE: See above post, USL Live is now up and running as of late Friday afternoon.

Ricardo Sanchez - Sits out first game due to red card in the last game of the year versus Vancouver in the playoffs.

Geoffrey Myers - Does not have international clearance yet and will not make take the flight with the team.

Jonathan Greenfield - The Thunder key central defender will be playing in the National Indoor Soccer League Championship for the Baltimore Blast and will report to the Thunder next week.

Nathan Knox - Is still recovering from ACL surgery and should enter into full contact within a week.

Look for more possible signings from the Thunder in the coming week.

USL.com has several articles concerning the Thunder’s opening weekend. A season preview of the teams, part 1 and Carolina hosts Thunder in Opener (Opening Night 411) Rookie coaches make official USL-1 debuts.