Thunder’s Brian Pederson Wins USL-PDL Weekly Honors

Rochester, MN – Rochester Thunder central defender Brian Pederson has been named to the United Soccer Leagues’ Premier Development League “Team of the Week.” Pederson scored both Thunder goals in the team’s pair of 2-1 losses at the weekend – the first two goals in Rochester Thunder history. Pederson, who spent the last three seasons as a member of the USL-1 Minnesota Thunder, is the Rochester Thunder’s first award honoree.

“I’m really happy to help the team get some recognition around the league,” Pederson said. “I hope I can continue to prove myself the rest of the season.”

“Brian is already proving to be a key player for us, just like we thought he would when we offered him a roster spot,” said Neil Cassidy. “He’s the team captain and is already providing the type of leadership that will help make this group of players successful.”

Pederson went to college at Salem International University in West Virginia where he was a three year captain and team MVP. He also earned All Conference Team and All Region Team honors. The Sioux Falls, South Dakota native played  4 years on the Sioux Falls Spitfire PDL team before spending a season playing in Europe. The last two years he was rostered with the Thunder USL-1 team.

Besides playing on the Rochester Thunder PDL team, Pederson is director of the Minnesota Thunder North Academy.

The Thunder have their first-ever home match against Real Colorado Foxes this Friday, May 15 at 7 pm at the RCTC Stadium Field. For more information on the Thunder, please visit the team’s website at www.rochestermnthunder.com.