Thunder Bay Chill News Release - www.thunderbaychill.com

Friday, July 24, 2009

DES MOINES, IA -- The Thunder Bay Chill's reign as Premier Development League Champions is over as they suffered a 1-0 First Round playoff loss to the Real Colorado Foxes on Friday night in Des Moines, Iowa.

Despite a strong showing from goalkeeper Stephen Paterson and many offensive chances for the Chill, the Foxes held a one goal lead for the entire second half to end the defending champion’s season.

In front of a buzzing crowd at Valley Stadium, home of the Des Moines Menace, the game started off on a sour note for the Chill as the referee called a penalty kick for the Foxes. However, Stephen Paterson was up to the task and kept the score at 0-0 despite the referee repeating the penalty three times for various infractions. The first half ended with a score of 0-0.

The Foxes came out of halftime flying, using their momentum to convert a 49th minute strike by Byron Cephers into a 1-0 lead.

The goal by the Foxes woke up the sleeping Chill, and the defending champs forced their challengers into a defensive shell for the rest of the match. The Chill squandered several second-half chances, including four corners in the final minutes that threatened the Foxes lead.

However, the Foxes held their defensive fort, and as the final whistle blew the Chill season ended with disappointment.

Real Colorado will be facing a less familiar foe Saturday night. The Foxes and the Menace met just once during the regular season – a 1-0 Des Moines win on May 16.

Anthony Putrus, Scott Milroth, Wilson Neto, and Chance Bukowski all received yellow cards in the loss. The Chill will return home to Northwestern Ontario after a hard fought season, and will look to build on their success for an assault next years PDL season.