Thunder: There's a new game in town

New management has committed to spending more money to bring top players to the Thunder.

By DAVID La VAQUE, Star Tribune

Last update: May 1, 2008 - 11:24 AM

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Snowflakes fell after Monday's practice this week, prompting Minnesota Thunder soccer newcomer Andres Arango to wonder if such weather typically lingers late into April.

Although still awaiting warm temperatures, Arango knows his presence in a Thunder uniform owes to a recent climate of change within the organization. New ownership -- Belgium-based WingField Corp. -- plans to invest more than $2 million this season and has increased player salaries. Under previous ownership, the Thunder cut back on expenses and failed to post a winning record or make a playoff appearance in the past three seasons.

"Minnesota didn't have the best reputation organization-wise and didn't attract high-quality players," said Arango, a six-year veteran of the United Soccer League. "You can tell that this year they are trying to make a change."

Fresh off its first victory at Vancouver in 11 years, the Thunder (1-1) opens at home against Rochester at 5:05 p.m. on Sunday at James Griffin Stadium in St. Paul.

Arango, Frederico Moojen and Stephen deRoux are three key newcomers who personify the Thunder's compete-with-cash approach.

"Several other teams were interested in these guys," coach Amos Magee said. "In the past, we would not have had the amount of money we needed for signing them available to us so close to the season."

Arango and Moojen were teammates at Montreal last season. Both were released, but Magee still said signing them was "a real coup" for the Thunder.

Moojen, a forward, played in 14 matches last season, logging two goals and one assist before being sidelined because of an injury. Magee expects him to score goals this season, a role Moojen has filled during his career.

He was named Major Indoor Soccer League Rookie of the Year after leading all first year players with 22 regular season goals, including two hat tricks. He led the Premiere Development League with 18 goals in both 2005 and 2006.

Arango, a defender, played in 21 matches last season and is being asked to provide a steady backline presence. He was named the Toronto Lynx defensive player of the year in 2005 and 2006.

He did not play against Portland or Vancouver but made the trip. Moojen played limited minutes in both matches. DeRoux, who spent the past three years with DC United of Major League Soccer, started both matches and was a "workhorse" according to Magee.

"Stephen was up and down the flank causing matchup difficulties," he said. "He and Ricardo Sanchez helped set up the goal against Portland."

Magee said the Thunder "had to compete" for deRoux's signature.

"My agent and I were looking for a team that looked like they were headed in the right direction, a team I could help," deRoux said. "I've heard their record hasn't been the best, but we got a win in Vancouver. I am really happy to be here. I made the right decision."

David La Vaque • 612-673-7574

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