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The Minnesota Thunder is a professional men's soccer team based out of St Paul, Minnesota. In 2006 the Thunder are competing in the USL First Division and the U.S. Open Cup. The club was founded in 1990 as an amateur American men's soccer team. It became a professional team in 1994 joining the United Soccer Leagues; it currently plays in the 12-team First Division. The Thunder won the 1999 A-League championship, but lost in the finals in 1998, 2000 and 2003.
Minnesota Lightning In 2005, the club created an amateur women's team named the Minnesota Lightning to compete in the W-League starting in the 2006 season. Colours and badge The Thunder badge has the logo of a capital 'T' and a soccer ball in front of a shield that reads "Minnesota Thunder" and "Pro Soccer". Stadium The Thunder currently play the majority of their 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 Thunder's first home field was the National Sports Center in Blaine, Minnesota, where they played until 2003. The National Sports Center as well as the Metrodome will also be used as occasional home fields. 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 typicially tailgate before the game and during halftime, sit behind the opposing bench during games, stand and chant throughout the entire game, and occasionally travel with the team on road games. Current squad 2006 Roster, as of April 23rd, 2006 Notable players Notable coaches Achievements Year-by-year Trivia | ||||||||
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