Minnesota Thunder News Release - www.mnthunder.com
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
ST PAUL, MN -- The Minnesota Thunder announced today the signing of US World Cup star, USL and Thunder Hall of Fame member, and Minnesota soccer legend, Tony Sanneh. Sanneh will make his debut with the Thunder on Thursday, July 26 at 7:05 p.m. against the California Victory at James Griffin Stadium, pending USL and USSF approval.
Sanneh made his US National Team debut on January 9, 1997 against China. He was an integral part of the USA’s historical run in the 2002 World Cup, playing in every minute of every game. In the first game of the tournament, his cross from the right side of the field provided an assist to Brian McBride’s goal. He has scored three goals in 43 camps for the US.
After failing to agree to terms with the Chicago Fire who hold his MLS rights, Sanneh has been rumored to be negotiating with NY Red Bulls where he would rejoin his former DC United and US National Team boss, Bruce Arena.
Sanneh was a premier forward for the Milwaukee Rampage and Minnesota Thunder, scoring 33 goals in two and one-third seasons. He finished third on Rampage scoring table with 41 points (14 goals, 13 assists) in 1994 and was the leading scorer for Minnesota in 1995 with 58 points (18 goals, 22 assists). He scored one goal in six games in 1996 before signing with Major League Soccer, but returned to play in the 1996 USL All-Star game hosted by Minnesota. He was inducted as part of the inaugural USL Hall of Fame class in 2002 with Brian McBride and Chris Armas.
Thunder coach Amos Magee, who played with Sanneh in high school, club soccer and with the Thunder exclaimed, “While Tony figures out what comes next in his Hall of Fame career, we are more-than-thrilled at the opportunity to add a player of his magnitude to our team. What he will bring to our team in terms of experience and leadership, not to mention ability, is immeasureable.”
Director of Soccer Operations for the MN Thunder, Manny Lagos added, “I am thrilled to be reunited with childhood teammates Tony and Amos to help our young team make a push for the playoffs. By the end of 2007, the Thunder will have brought one of the best teams (AC Milan), best players (David Beckham) and best Minnesota players of all time to Minnesota soccer fans. What a year!”
“I am excited to step back in time where all my good memories began,' said Sanneh. 'For the past 10 years I have spent my offseasons working out in Minnesota and always hoped that I would again wear the blue and white of the Thunder before I retired. I have spent time during this season rehabbing with the Thunder and getting to know the current players. I feel that it’s a great group that I will be able to help get even better. This is another great step for me in a very long and blessed career.” said Sanneh.
Sanneh is expected to suit up for the Thunder on June 26th when the Thunder plays the California Victory @ 7:05PM at James Griffin Stadium in St. Paul. Details of Sanneh’s contract were unavailable.
Additional Sanneh Career Highlights:
- Tony Sanneh grew up in St. Paul playing for the St. Paul Blackhawks - High School, club and Thunder teammate of Thunder coach Amos Magee, Thunder Asst. coach Tod Herskovitz and Thunder Director of Soccer Operations, Manny Lagos
- Attended St. Paul Academy and graduated in 1990 as a two time all-state player
- Attended UW- Milwaukee (53 goals, 32 assists) 1993 All-America
- Scored goals for DC United in first two MLS Cups for victorious DC Utd.
- Signed with Bundesliga Club Hertha Berlin in 1998 appearing 31 times
- Signed for FC Nurnberg in Bundesliga in 2001 appearing 52 times
- Returned to MLS in 2004, helping the Crew to the top record in the league
- Played for the Chicago Fire in 2005-2006 leading the Fire to the playoffs losing only once in the 13 games he played
Thursday’s game also marks the opening ceremonies of the Minnesota Youth Soccer Association state tournament. There will be a parade of participating teams prior to the Thunder match. The first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive a MYSA tambourine.
About the Thunder
The Thunder is coming off a solid two game set against Montreal, earning four points in a 3-0 win and a 1-1 tie. Although sitting in last place in the First Division, the Thunder has played fewer games than any other teams in the league, and has played five fewer than California who sits one point above them. The Thunder is unbeaten in its last four regular season game.
About the Victory
The Victory is coming off a series of ties against Puerto Rico and Miami FC. They are only one point ahead of the Thunder from the bottom of the league standings. Josh Hansen is the leading scorer for the Victory with six goals and one assist.
Season Series
The last meeting between these two teams was one for fans to remember. The Thunder had defeated the Victory on Sunday, June 24 in season play and played them just two days later in U.S Open Cup play. It was a very physical game and at some points out of control, with 14 cautions and four players ejected from the game. The game went into overtime and Ricardo Sanchez scored early in the overtime to secure a win against the Thunder. The Thunder also tied the Victory in California 0-0 on June 9.
Up Next
The Thunder goes on the road to Rochester to play the Rhinos on Saturday, July 28 at 8:35pm. The Thunder’s next home game is Saturday, August 4 against the first place Portland Timbers at James Griffin at 7:05pm.
