Rochester Thunder Press Release - www.rochestermnthunder.com
Thurday, April 9, 2009
ROSEMOUNT, MN - On Sunday, March 22 at the Irish Dome in Rosemount, MN, the Rochester Thunder's USL Premier Development League team conducted their second and final combine of the year. Neil Cassidy, head coach of the team told Inside Minnesota Soccer that he had an overwhelming turnout for this second combine with over 70 players showing up. The first combine was held in late December.
Cassidy said there were only 10 to 15 slots open for players to make the roster as many of the spots were determined in the first tryout. The Rochester Thunder PDL team will have about 24 rostered players. The Rochester Thunder coach said that rosters on PDL teams are a bit larger than club teams because of the age of the players and conflicting commitments. He also said that there is a cap of only eight international players since this is a US developmental league where the focus should be on the American player.
Those roster stipulations limited the success of a strong contingent of British players that were attending the combine. Regardless, British accents seemed to echo through the dome as players called out commands as six teams combined in small-sided games and then a 3/4 sized field scrimmage. There were a significant number of African players that were also trying out.
Cassidy said he was surprised by the number of keepers that attended the combine, 15 in total. He said that is rare as he reported only two had attended the senior Thunder combine and one of those was also at this combine.
Three other coaches were helping Cassidy, who is also the Rochester Youth Soccer Association’s Director of Coaching. The trainers were scratching down notes as they had already narrowed the field towards the end of practice and were turning their attention on a few key players. According to Cassidy, an English native, a number of contestants were very impressive and looked to have secured their place on the roster.
Cassidy said they will pare the players down and announce a roster within the next two weeks. They already have some players rostered. He also reported that ticket sales are starting to pick up with some season tickets being sold.
The first home game in Rochester is Friday, May 15 at 7:00 p.m. against the Real Colorado Foxes. Tickets can be purchased by going to the Rochester Thunder PDL website here.
