Wizards Advance Past Thunder in PKsWe'll be back later tonight with full stats, some notables and some quotes. For now, adios from the National Sports Center in Blaine, MN.
FINAL- That was a pretty crazy match. The fans were excited and into the game the whole time, as both teams took turns playing some good soccer. MIN fought back twice but were no match for Kansas City in penalty kicks. Lopez, Wolff, Thompson and Gomez all buried their pks for the Wizards. Greenfield and Sanchez put away the first two for Minnesota, but goalkeeper Boris Pardo came up big with stops against MIN captain Jeremiah Bass and substitute Dale Weiler.
PK4MIN- Weiler shoots right and Pardo makes another huge save!!!! KC wins 4-2 on PKS!!!! AMAZING EFFORTS FROM BORIS!!!
PK4KC- Gomez buries it in the lower-right corner to put KC up 4-2!
PK3MIN- Bass steps to the spot and jaws a little with Pardo. He then to the left and Pardo makes a HUGE save!!!! 3-2 KC.
PK3KC- Thompson steps to spot for 2nd time today and hits it JUST under the cross bar and in to the left as Platter goes right. Phew. 3-2 KC.
PK2MIN- Sanchez goes upper-right corner this time to tie it 2-2.
PK2MIN-Sanchez steps to PK spot for 3rd time today.
PK2KC- Wolff hits it into lower-left corner past diving Platter. 2-1 KC.
PK1MIN- Greenfield hits it into the left-side netting as Pardo just misses. 1-1.
PK1MIN- Greenfield steps up for MIN to face Pardo.
PK1KC- Lopez roofs it past Platter in the center...1-0 KC.
END OT2- We don't have shooters list, so we'll go with it. Lopez steps up first for KC. Platter will be in goal at the south end (right side as you're looking at the monitor)
END OT2- Well, that was a crazy one. We're going to PKs. Haven't seen the shooter lists yet, but I'll let you know when I get them.
121+ minute- MIN intercepts a pass near the half line but it was one on four...now they break late, Cvilikas serving centrally and its caught by Pardo. OT2 is over. We're going to PKs for the 2nd straight Open Cup game.
120th minute- Wolff flicks on a long pass over Platter who was in no man's land. Ball goes just inches wide left. THIS IS A CRAZY GAME FOLKS.
120th minute- Espinoza does well to win back a ball in midfield, his attempt forward is blocked, Watson eventually taking possession.
119th minute. Lopez curls the ball toward the onrushing Wizards, but Platter holds then punts.
119th minute Sanchez fouls Lopez 35 yards from goal. Lopez to stand over the dead ball opportunity.
118th minute- Wolff puts the ball in after beautiful cross, but he is judged offside. Close call.
118th minute- Espinoza dances around defender and plays Lopez...Lopez plays Watson who cuts inside to Thompson. MIN wins back then clears.
117th minute- MIN long ball for Myers is too far and Pardo collects and plays to Gomez on right. MIN wins back and knocks the ball backward.
116th minute- Lopez curled the ball toward the near post, cleared for KC throw.
116th minute- Well, spoke too soon on killing off the game. KCnow pushing forward. Wolff centers toward a pair of KC players but cleared out for CK. Lopez to take.
115th minute- MIN GOAL. Long ball out of back bounces behind defense. Tarpley raced in behind to chip the ball up and over onrushing Pardo. We're tied 3-3.
114th minute- KC content to keep possession and kill off the game. Lopez starts a play that works from left to right for Wolff. he uncorks a low shot toward the back post.
114th minute- Ball rolls to Pardo, who keeps it at his feet making Tarpley pressure. He eventually picks up and punts.
113th minute- Espinoza goes up the left behind the D, then plays back for Lopez...MIN intercepts Lopez pass and breaks out. Cvilikas attempted to bring down ball, but McKenzie took.
112th minute- KC keeps possession, winning a throw in on the left. Marquess up for the throw.
112th minute- Pardo plays a long restart, taking his time.
111th minute- Thompson called for foul in MIN penalty area. Platter restart is deflected out for KC GK on other end.
110th minute- Pardo GK is flicked on by Thompson to Gomez. Gomez plays ball off MIN defender for throw in.
109th minute- Another correction everyone...Wolff flicked the ball on for McKenzie. Abe was in the scrum as well.
108th minute- Myers hits ball toward back post but Pardo holds and punts long...MIN throw.
108th minute-Morsink breaks up a Thunder attack and Lopez sprays ball into corner for Thompson. MIN recollects and comes up right. Myers cuts on end line and crosses but Marquess deflects clear for throw.
107th minute- KC wins a throw deep in the Minnesota end. Wolff gets possession, beats two defenders then has a pass deflected out for another throw.
106th minute- OT2 has started. MIN commits a foul on the right. Watson wants a new ball, saying the one they were using was low on air.
If you guys remember, it was Lopez who came on late last year in Carolina and helped us win 4-2 in OT. Again, Claudio is instrumental in an Open Cup goal.
WHAT A PLAY BY KC. Lopez sent a corner to the near post that Wolff** did well to shield a defender and the GK to flick into the air. Three KC players were crashing the back post with a MIN defender attempting to clear. McKenzie powered the ball home as his momentum carried him into the goal. KC up a goal heading into the second OT!
106+ minute- Lopez corner cleared for another CK. Should be the last play of OT1. Lopez CK flicked on by Wolff** and headed home by McKenzie for 3-2 lead!!!!!!!
106+ minute- Lopez combines with Thompson before finding Gomez wide...Gomez slips Thompson into area, cleared by MIN for CK.
105th minute- Lopez's cross is cleared. Espinoza attempts half-volley after the knock down but misses wide by a good margin.
105th minute- McKenzie plays ahead to Wolff on left...Wolff keeps the ball around two defenders on the end line, winning a corner kick. Lopez to take it from the left.
104th minute- Espinoza sends ball toward Wolff at back post, but MIN wins and clears.
103rd minute- Wolff shown yellow while tracking back to break up play on Myers. Wolff reached out and the ref says he pulled Myers and slowed him up. MIN free kick 30 yards out.
102nd minute- Weiler enters for Peterson for MIN as Onalfo brings Herculez over to give a word to the substitute winger.
101st minute- Peterson crosses toward back post, but Myers can't get there.
100th minute- Wolff springs Gomez through middle, but Gomez pulls ball back to no one. MIN goes the other way.
100th minute- Platter collects a KC long ball then shanks a punt attempt. KC wins it back near half line.
99th minute- Wolff enters for Kraus.
98th minute- Espinoza tracks back to intercept pass, playing deep ahead for Gomez. Herculez is taken down up the right wing, then called for a foul as he and Peterson tangle getting up. No card shown.
98th minute- MIN throwin on the left...Olum switches
97th minute- MIN is about to bring on Geoffrey Myers for Rod Dyachenko.
96th minute- MIN knocks the ball around a bit as KC pressures.MIN eventually loses but wins the ensuing clearance back.
95th minute- MIN gives ball away for KC throw on left....Espinoza crosses for Marquess but it's cut out. MIN quickly counters, but Tarpley is offside again.
94th minute- It's getting pretty chippy. GK for MIN after Thompson shoots wide from 20.
94th minute- Dyachenko down with what appear to be cramps. Watson takes some water while waiting to throw the ball in.
93rd minute- Lopez makes late diagonal run. Espinoza tries to find him, but it's headed clear by MIN. KC throw.
93rd minute- Tarpley offside. Good thing, he had trailed to wide open Dyachenko.
92nd minute- Cvilikas centers but no one is there. McKenzie takes and clears.
91st minute- Espinoza played ball into space for Herculez on the right, but MIN cuts it out.
91st minute- And we're off.
End Full Time- This is the 3rd straight KC Open Cup game that has gone to OT. If you count the play-in game last year, that's 4 straight.
End Full Time- Kansas City is on the field and ready to play as MIN huddles.
End Full Time- Onalfo gathers the troops to talk about OT1. The Minnesota faithful are going nuts. They really want to knock off the MLS club. Both teams are coming back onto the field. Looks like we have a sub for MIN.
93+ minute- There's the whistle. Extra time is coming. Reminder: we'll play two 15-minute OTs, switching sides in the middle. Even if someone scores, we play all 30. If it's still deadlocked after OT number 2, we go to penalties.
93+ minute- Peterson plays ahead to Cvilikas, Leathers and Watson clear.
92+ minute- Espinoza plays on the left for Lopez who crosses. Ball knocked down, and Morsink's shot from 25 misses wide by a good margin.
91+ minute- MIN cracks a long shot just wide of goal. Close one there folks.
91+ minute- Lopez is entering for Harrington. Lopez will be in for the rest of regulation and extra time if needed. He'll also be on the field for PKs if we get that far. Correction...three minutes of stoppage time. The two was for Harrington leaving the feld.
90th minute- Morsink dekes Cvilikas, then plays to Kraus. Kraus lays off but no one was making that run. Morsink cracks low shot from 25 that just misses the back post. Two minutes of stoppage time starting now.
90th minute- MIN clears, KC regains possession and comes up the left.
89th minute- Watson ahead to play a long throw in.
89th minute- Morsink plays Gomez up the right. Gomez wins a throw near the corner flag.
88th minute- Gomez fouled by Olum as he changes speed in midfield. Long ball from WAtson to Espinoza is deflected out for MIN GK.
87th minute- Sanchez smartly doesn't play offside Tarpley, instead trying to find late-breaking Olum. Watson slides in to clear, however.
87th minute- Watson plays long switch to Thompson in left corner. KC throw.
86th minute- KC switches all the way to the right, Gomez eventually running at Peterson. Gomez goes down to no call...GK MIN.
85th minute- Tarpley fouls McKenzie and draws yellow near top of KC area...KC counters quickly.
84th minute- Thompson races to a ball on the left, but he can't quite keep it in...MIN GK.
83rd minute- Sanchez goes to his left and buries it in the upper-left corner. 2-2 now in the 84th.
83rd minute- Sanchez lines it up for a left-footed effort. Pardo doing jumping jacks in the goal and being told to stand on his line.
82nd minute- Cvilikas plays centrally for Tarpley who spins, but is fouled in the area by Leathers. PK MIN. Sanchez again.
81st minute- Espinoza rips a shot from distance high after Kraus back-tracked to break up a play.
80th minute- Espinoza puts Thompson into space on the left. Thompson attempts to pass centrally to Herc making run at PK spot, but MIN clears.
80th minute- Sanchez slips Tarpley through, but McKenzie and Watson combine to break up the play after he appeared to be through.
79th minute- Tarpley fouls McKenzie in area after riding him for a while...fans groan but KC plays out of the back.
78th minute- Espinoza hits shot from distance that goes high over the bar.
78th minute- Espinoza is now in a central attacking role, with Gomez on the right and Harrington on the left.
77th minute- MIN crosses to Cvilikas who heads centrally to Sanchez. Sanchez fouls Leathers and crowd starts to boo. Herculez Gomez enters for Graham Zusi.
75th minute- Watson attempts to get into the play, but MIN breaks it up then conters down his side. He hustles back to slow up the effort. Cvilikas drops for Sanchez who hits a rocket on goal that Pardo holds.
74th minute- Pardo takes the restart as fans go crazy over the mascot throwing out some prizes.
73rd minute- Sanchez played Dyachenko over the top, but he was offside. He lofts the ball into the net anyway. Sanchez gets a yellow for dissent after arguing the call.
73rd minute- Sanchez goes down looking for a foul after making a square pass...none called. Some fans groan but MIN keeps possession.
72nd minute- Peterson brings the ball out of the back, and KC is all over MIN as they come up the field. Eventually the ball goes wide to Dyachenko who crosses to Cvilikas. His header didn't have enough on it and hung for Pardo to hold.
71st mintue- Zusi fouled but KC keeps possession on advantage. Harrington attempts a back-post chip from 35, but the ball goes over the bar for a GK.
70th minute- Cvilikas receives an outlet on a mini break, cuts inside Watson but skies his shot from 25.
69th minute- Dyachenko received a pass cutting toward the KC end line, but his touch is a little too far and goes out for GK. KC takes possession and knocks it around the back line.
68th minute- Dyachenko dispossesses Harrington near the end line, KC then counters with a couple of nifty back heels eventually putting Thompson into the area with a look at goal. His left footed shot from the left corner of the area held by Platter.
67th minute- Zusi sends in corner with nasty bend on the ball. Platter tips wide for Espinoza corner on the other side.
67th minute- Morsink puts Kraus behind D with long ball from midfield, eventually Espinoza finds Zusi cutting toward the goal. Shot is blocked out for CK on the left. Zusi over the ball.
66th minute- Sanchez plays Dyachenko through on the right, but Rod gives it away with a pass to where Sanchez was instead of where he was cutting.
65th minute- Harrington again beats Peterson on the right, but his centering effort for Kraus is deflected clear. Pardo regroups and plays to McKenzie.
64th minute- Marquess hits a great cross-field ball to Harrington near the top of the area, who plays past a defender for Thompson in the area. Thompson crushes a shot just high of the bar from 10 yards out at a very tough angle.
63rd minute- Zusi called for foul on the right wing. He disputes heavily to no avail, MIN takes restart and switches the field...Leathers eventually steals and pushes ahead.
61st minute- Watson makes a couple of nifty moves around Cvilikas on the right, then plays ahead to Zusi. Zusi puts Kraus behind on the right,k who wins throw. On the throw, Harrington crosses for Espinoza who heads backward toward the PK spot but no one was there.
60th minute- Zusi swings a ball toward the near post, but MIN clears.
60th minute- Espinoza's quality cross toward Leathers at the back post is punched out by Platter. CK Zusi.
59th minute- Zusi plays the corner to the back post, headed out by Arango. Corner now from the right for Espinoza.
58th minute- Harringotn intercepts pass and speeds up the right, beating Peterson before serving cross...ball is cleared, but Zusi holds, plays wide to Espinoza who hits hard toward back post, but Platter makes an excellent save. GREAT build-up play there from KC and a good save. KC corner on the left.
58th minute- Zusi hits a bending ball toward Kraus making a diagonal run at the back post, but the cross goes too far and out for GK.
57th minute- Zusi and Marquess over the long restart, Wizards attackers making runs in the area...Marquess bends a shot toward the left upper-90, but it goes just high as Platter seemed to have it covered anyway.
56th minute- Peterson plays ahead to Cvilikas up right, but Leathers does well to beat him to the ball and play out for throw...Kc takes possession after throw and counters through Zusi. Arango pulls down Zusi as he gets by, bringing a yellow and a restart on the right.
55th minute- Espinoza takes the corner again, serving in-swinger toward panelty spot...Leathers just misses on volley attempt and MIN clears.
54th minute- Harrington comes up the right with speed, winning a CK when his cross is blocked by sliding Peterson.
53rd minute- Leathers brings ball forward, plays Zusi who spins wide for Harrington on the odd-man break. Harrington hits a hard, low cross for Kraus at the back post, but Kraus just misses with a sliding attempt as the ball goes out for GK.
53rd minute- Espinoza's effort is cleared by MIN, but KC gets it back. Ball bounces around, eventually going to MIn on a throw.
52nd minute- Watson plays Kraus in behind defense and Kraus wins a corner by cutting on a defender who plays the ball out of bounds. Espinoza takes the CK, to serve an in-swinger.
52nd minute- Olum takes a shot from 10 yards out wide right of goal after nice switch then center by MIN. Pardo GK.
51st minute- Pardo is up and takes the restart, playing the ball long.
50th minute- Peterson plays ball over defense toward Cvilikas...Pardo comes out of the area to head the ball away and he and Cvilikas come together. Cvilikas shown a yellow card for the challenge.
49th minute- Kraus pressures ball bakc to Platter, who clears and MIN keeps possession.
48th minute- Cvilikas springs Tarpley up left with long ball. McKenzie forces long ball toward center that is broken up by Espinoza. MIN keeps possession.
47th minute- scoreboard is off again, so we'll be guessing. KC wns back possession after attempted clearance by Kirk. Kc throw on the left.
46th minute- And we're off for the second half, with Minnesota taking the kick going right to left on your screen.
Halftime- USL teams are putting on some strong performances right now. The full scoreboard is available here at USOpenCup.com. The Wilmington Hammerheads defeated the Chicago Fire 1-0 tonight, the Charleston Battery defeated Chivas USA 3-1 and the Harrisburg City Islanders are up 2-1 on New England in extra time. D.C. beat the Ocean City Barons 2-0, and Columbus is tied 1-1 with Rochester in the 70th minute. Portland and Seattle play tomorrow, with the winner facing the winner of our game tonight next Tuesday. If Minnesota wins, they will host. If we win and Seattle wins, the game will be played in the Pacific Northwest. If we win and Portland wins, we will host July 7 at Shawnee Mission North HS.
46th minute- And halftime is here. A good scrappy goal from Kraus and a pair of PKs leave KC ahead 2-1 going into the break. MIN fans have been loud and supportive. KC had the run of play early, but MIN has gotten into the game more at the end. A couple of nice saves from Platter and a couple from Pardo have kept the game at 2-1, though both side had a couple chances to make it more. We'll be back at the start of the second half.
46th minute- Watson long throw is flicked on by Thompson then met by Kraus. Platter stops the initial shot then holds the rebound.
45th minute- Zusi's corner kick is deflected clear, and Harrington takes it on the right. He sends in a cross that is cleared by Peterson for a throw in near the corner flag.
45th minute- Espinoza released the pressure, finding Thompson long. Thompson held the ball up and won a corner kick as his teammates came upfield.
44th minute- MIN is playing much better now. Dyachenko fed Tarpley behind the defense all alone, but Pardo came up huge to stop the breakaway attempt. VERY dangerous chance there for MIN.
43rd minute- Marquess trips as Morsink looks for him wide on the left and the ball goes out of play for a MIN throw.
43rd minute- Seems I was guessing right. Clock is back on. Sanchez takes the free kick and it's deflected by the wall and stopped by Pardo. Espinoza fouled as the Wizards counter.
42nd minute- I'm guessing on times now because the in stadium clock is broken. the MIN fans are VERY energized after that PK. Espinoza called for foul 40 yards out in the center. Big guys again forward for MIN.
41st minute- Sanchez buries it in the lower-right corner as Pardo guessed correctly. Great PK shot from Sanchez. 2-1 KC.
41st minute- Sanchez steps up to take the PK as KC players protest to no avail.
40th minute- Sanchez plays bending ball to near post. PK called as a KC player apparently pulled on a MIN player as he attempted to get to the cross.
39th minute- Marquess fouls on the left wing. Sanchez over the ball with the big bodies forward.
38th minute- MIN wins throwin on right side, with Olum playing to Dyachenko...Olum gets ball back and is stood up by Marquess before laying back forDyachenko who crosses and MIN keeps possession.
37th minute- Zusi attempts to curl ball over defense for cutting Kraus, but MIN heads clear. KC regains possession.
36th minute- Thompson again called for offside as Marquess attempts curling ball behind the back line. Thompson was behind the defense and attempted to pull back level but could not. Platter restart.
35th minute- Thompson cross attempt from right side of penalty area is cleared by MIN for KC throw in on the other side of the half line.
34th minute- Pardo plays long after back pass....Harrington is flicked on by Thompson but won by MIN.
33rd minute- MIN outlets quickly to Cvilikas who is a very big body, but McKenzie holds him off and outlets for Kraus up the right. Thompson slips Zusi through, but Zusi is called offside.
32nd minute- Well-hit corner is cleared by McKenzie..Andrew Peterson formerly of the Crew hits a rocket on goal from distance that is punched clear by Pardo.
31st minute- Watson intercepts, eventually getting the ball to Harrington who attempts a back-post ball for Espinoza that is held by Platter. MIN wins CK on ensuing counter after back pass for Pardo is too wide and goes over the end line.
31st minute- MIN with some extended possession on the right now pulls it back and switches sides, Kraus chasing all the while.
29th minute- Just as I say that, Pardo hits a Lazer out of his penalty area to the head of Thompson that is just a couple inches too high and MIN takes possession.
28th minute- In between clearance by MIN forces Pardo out of the penalty area to clear with his feet. Pardo was a field player until he was 18 years old...good feet.
27th minute- Cvilikas beats Leathers to ball and curls cross toward late-breaking Sanchez at back post. Cross is just too long and goes out for goal kick. Good look there for MIN.
26th minute- MIN with an extended possession, but Kraus breaks it up tracking back. MIN regains possession and Dyachenko feeds an offside Tarpley up the left. KC restart.
25th minute- Watson breaks up a play in the defensive third and is then fouled. KC with possession.
24th minute- Kraus called for foul on MIN center back...long ball from Platter.
22nd minute- Member of the supporters group just yelled: "If Brazil can do it, we can do it." Pretty funny stuff.
22nd minute- Sanchez plays long ball for Tarpley on the left, but it runs out of play for a goal kick. Good look from Sanchez, just hit it too far. Pardo plays the goal kick long.
21st minute- MIN attemps a through ball to streaking forward Cvilikas, but Pardo eats it up off his line.
20th minute- Zusi plays to Kraus on right who drops to Harrington...Harrington plays Zusi centrally who hits a shot high over the bar from 25 yards out.
19th minute- GOAL! Thompson slots it inside the left post past diving Platter for 2-0 Kansas City lead. That's a good two-minute stretch!
18th minute- Kraus crosses for Espinoza at the back post but it's just over his head...PK called as Kraus is taken home in penalty area looking for the ensuing cross.
17th minute- GOAL!!! Espinoza plays cross through penalty area after Zusi lays off ball in penalty area. Kraus** then touches home inside back post for 1-0 Kansas City lead.
**corrected
16th minute- Morsink plays Marquess in on left side, cross along ground toward Kraus is held by Platter on the goal line.
15th minute- Harrington breaks up MIN attack on the left, with Wizards winning a goal kick.
14th minute- Marquess fouls Dyachenko near center cirle. MIN wins throw in near left corner flag after Watson heads clear long ball attemp on quick restart.
13th minute- Dyachenko fouls Espinoza hard on left...KC plays quick restart thatsis eventually popped into the air by Dyachenko and caught by Platter.
12th minute- Pardo plays short, KC keeping possession with the defenders.
12th minute- MIN wins another corner kick after Sanchez played in cross from right that was cleared by McKenzie. Sanchez with the corner that bends out of play for a Pardo goal kick.
11th minute- MIN corner kick after McKenzie broke up pass intended for Dyachenko...MIN brings its big center backs forward. Morsink clears the CK.
10th minute- Espinoza sends in a beautiful bending cross to Thompson that Abe heads home, but he's called for being offside. Close call.
10th minute- MIN brings possession up the left, but Watson intercepts and KC switches. Lots of one and two-touch passing from the Wizards.
9th minute- KC keeps possession in their own half...Pardo sending a ball long that is won by KC after a knock-down.
8th minute- Dyachenko sends in a cross that is cleared by Zusi...Kirk then crosses but the header hits the cross bar...MIN called for a foul on the play anyway.
7th minute- Watson plays long ahead to Harrington who beats his man to the ball and sends a cross to Thompson...cleared...Morsink gets the ball back and sprays wide to Harrington whose cross is intercepted by Platter.
6th minute- Pardo scoops up the ball after a Platter goal kick, sending it to Harrington on the right wing...MIN takes possession then gives the ball away to Marquess with a long pass.
5th minute- Morsink splits two defenders for Watson up the right, who crosses to Espinoza at the back post, but his attempted cross goes out of play for a goal kick.
5th minute- Espinoza puts Thompson between two defenders, but the pass is too hot to handle and ends up with Platter.
4th minute- Pardo eventually springs a counter after a long ball from the back, Marquess fouls Kirk near the top of the Minnesota penalty area with a high kick.
3rd minute- Pardo touches the ball for the first time, from an Espinoza back pass, then again from a pair of McKenzie back passes.
3rd minute- Espinoza cuts off a MIN clearance attempt, but his shot is held by Platter and would not have been on goal.
2nd minute- Marquess puts cross into area, but it is cleared from danger. KC regains possession.
2nd minute- Zusi attemps to put Thompson through up the right, but MIN slides to break up the play.
1st minute- Kansas City takes the ball back and knocks it around the back line from right to left.
1st minute- Zusi fouls Sanchez near the half line, giving Minnesota the ball.
7:40 p.m. - And we're under way. Kansas City takes the kick and controls possession.
7:38 p.m. - She did a great job, and the players are now taking the field. Kansas City will be going from right to left as you look at your computer screen.
7:36 p.m. - Miss Minnesota is singing the National Anthem.
7:35 p.m. - The PA dude gets quite excited in introducing the Thunder, and the fans get pretty loud. It's a decent crowd here tonight at the National Sports Center, a venue that can hold up to 10,000 I'm told.
7:34 p.m. - The refs and both teams have reached the half line and are assembling for the national anthem. The Wizards are in white, with Minnesota in dark blue/navy.
7:33 p.m. - Fans have lined up in a human tunnel and are awaiting players. The Thunder's supporters section has started beating their drums, and the Thunder mascot just came out. Here come the players! Kickoff is just around the corner
7:31 p.m. - Alright, this post is the place for living running commentary during tonight's match. You can also watch online at USLlive.com. Kickoff is in about 4 minutes, so get ready. The lineups and subs are below. Just had a good chat with Bruce McGuire of du Nord. Great guy...check out his website daily if you don't already: www.dunordfutbol.com.
FINAL- That was a pretty crazy match. The fans were excited and into the game the whole time, as both teams took turns playing some good soccer. MIN fought back twice but were no match for Kansas City in penalty kicks. Lopez, Wolff, Thompson and Gomez all buried their pks for the Wizards. Greenfield and Sanchez put away the first two for Minnesota, but goalkeeper Boris Pardo came up big with stops against MIN captain Jeremiah Bass and substitute Dale Weiler.
PK4MIN- Weiler shoots right and Pardo makes another huge save!!!! KC wins 4-2 on PKS!!!! AMAZING EFFORTS FROM BORIS!!!
PK4KC- Gomez buries it in the lower-right corner to put KC up 4-2!
PK3MIN- Bass steps to the spot and jaws a little with Pardo. He then to the left and Pardo makes a HUGE save!!!! 3-2 KC.
PK3KC- Thompson steps to spot for 2nd time today and hits it JUST under the cross bar and in to the left as Platter goes right. Phew. 3-2 KC.
PK2MIN- Sanchez goes upper-right corner this time to tie it 2-2.
PK2MIN-Sanchez steps to PK spot for 3rd time today.
PK2KC- Wolff hits it into lower-left corner past diving Platter. 2-1 KC.
PK1MIN- Greenfield hits it into the left-side netting as Pardo just misses. 1-1.
PK1MIN- Greenfield steps up for MIN to face Pardo.
PK1KC- Lopez roofs it past Platter in the center...1-0 KC.
END OT2- We don't have shooters list, so we'll go with it. Lopez steps up first for KC. Platter will be in goal at the south end (right side as you're looking at the monitor)
END OT2- Well, that was a crazy one. We're going to PKs. Haven't seen the shooter lists yet, but I'll let you know when I get them.
121+ minute- MIN intercepts a pass near the half line but it was one on four...now they break late, Cvilikas serving centrally and its caught by Pardo. OT2 is over. We're going to PKs for the 2nd straight Open Cup game.
120th minute- Wolff flicks on a long pass over Platter who was in no man's land. Ball goes just inches wide left. THIS IS A CRAZY GAME FOLKS.
120th minute- Espinoza does well to win back a ball in midfield, his attempt forward is blocked, Watson eventually taking possession.
119th minute. Lopez curls the ball toward the onrushing Wizards, but Platter holds then punts.
119th minute Sanchez fouls Lopez 35 yards from goal. Lopez to stand over the dead ball opportunity.
118th minute- Wolff puts the ball in after beautiful cross, but he is judged offside. Close call.
118th minute- Espinoza dances around defender and plays Lopez...Lopez plays Watson who cuts inside to Thompson. MIN wins back then clears.
117th minute- MIN long ball for Myers is too far and Pardo collects and plays to Gomez on right. MIN wins back and knocks the ball backward.
116th minute- Lopez curled the ball toward the near post, cleared for KC throw.
116th minute- Well, spoke too soon on killing off the game. KCnow pushing forward. Wolff centers toward a pair of KC players but cleared out for CK. Lopez to take.
115th minute- MIN GOAL. Long ball out of back bounces behind defense. Tarpley raced in behind to chip the ball up and over onrushing Pardo. We're tied 3-3.
114th minute- KC content to keep possession and kill off the game. Lopez starts a play that works from left to right for Wolff. he uncorks a low shot toward the back post.
114th minute- Ball rolls to Pardo, who keeps it at his feet making Tarpley pressure. He eventually picks up and punts.
113th minute- Espinoza goes up the left behind the D, then plays back for Lopez...MIN intercepts Lopez pass and breaks out. Cvilikas attempted to bring down ball, but McKenzie took.
112th minute- KC keeps possession, winning a throw in on the left. Marquess up for the throw.
112th minute- Pardo plays a long restart, taking his time.
111th minute- Thompson called for foul in MIN penalty area. Platter restart is deflected out for KC GK on other end.
110th minute- Pardo GK is flicked on by Thompson to Gomez. Gomez plays ball off MIN defender for throw in.
109th minute- Another correction everyone...Wolff flicked the ball on for McKenzie. Abe was in the scrum as well.
108th minute- Myers hits ball toward back post but Pardo holds and punts long...MIN throw.
108th minute-Morsink breaks up a Thunder attack and Lopez sprays ball into corner for Thompson. MIN recollects and comes up right. Myers cuts on end line and crosses but Marquess deflects clear for throw.
107th minute- KC wins a throw deep in the Minnesota end. Wolff gets possession, beats two defenders then has a pass deflected out for another throw.
106th minute- OT2 has started. MIN commits a foul on the right. Watson wants a new ball, saying the one they were using was low on air.
If you guys remember, it was Lopez who came on late last year in Carolina and helped us win 4-2 in OT. Again, Claudio is instrumental in an Open Cup goal.
WHAT A PLAY BY KC. Lopez sent a corner to the near post that Wolff** did well to shield a defender and the GK to flick into the air. Three KC players were crashing the back post with a MIN defender attempting to clear. McKenzie powered the ball home as his momentum carried him into the goal. KC up a goal heading into the second OT!
106+ minute- Lopez corner cleared for another CK. Should be the last play of OT1. Lopez CK flicked on by Wolff** and headed home by McKenzie for 3-2 lead!!!!!!!
106+ minute- Lopez combines with Thompson before finding Gomez wide...Gomez slips Thompson into area, cleared by MIN for CK.
105th minute- Lopez's cross is cleared. Espinoza attempts half-volley after the knock down but misses wide by a good margin.
105th minute- McKenzie plays ahead to Wolff on left...Wolff keeps the ball around two defenders on the end line, winning a corner kick. Lopez to take it from the left.
104th minute- Espinoza sends ball toward Wolff at back post, but MIN wins and clears.
103rd minute- Wolff shown yellow while tracking back to break up play on Myers. Wolff reached out and the ref says he pulled Myers and slowed him up. MIN free kick 30 yards out.
102nd minute- Weiler enters for Peterson for MIN as Onalfo brings Herculez over to give a word to the substitute winger.
101st minute- Peterson crosses toward back post, but Myers can't get there.
100th minute- Wolff springs Gomez through middle, but Gomez pulls ball back to no one. MIN goes the other way.
100th minute- Platter collects a KC long ball then shanks a punt attempt. KC wins it back near half line.
99th minute- Wolff enters for Kraus.
98th minute- Espinoza tracks back to intercept pass, playing deep ahead for Gomez. Herculez is taken down up the right wing, then called for a foul as he and Peterson tangle getting up. No card shown.
98th minute- MIN throwin on the left...Olum switches
97th minute- MIN is about to bring on Geoffrey Myers for Rod Dyachenko.
96th minute- MIN knocks the ball around a bit as KC pressures.MIN eventually loses but wins the ensuing clearance back.
95th minute- MIN gives ball away for KC throw on left....Espinoza crosses for Marquess but it's cut out. MIN quickly counters, but Tarpley is offside again.
94th minute- It's getting pretty chippy. GK for MIN after Thompson shoots wide from 20.
94th minute- Dyachenko down with what appear to be cramps. Watson takes some water while waiting to throw the ball in.
93rd minute- Lopez makes late diagonal run. Espinoza tries to find him, but it's headed clear by MIN. KC throw.
93rd minute- Tarpley offside. Good thing, he had trailed to wide open Dyachenko.
92nd minute- Cvilikas centers but no one is there. McKenzie takes and clears.
91st minute- Espinoza played ball into space for Herculez on the right, but MIN cuts it out.
91st minute- And we're off.
End Full Time- This is the 3rd straight KC Open Cup game that has gone to OT. If you count the play-in game last year, that's 4 straight.
End Full Time- Kansas City is on the field and ready to play as MIN huddles.
End Full Time- Onalfo gathers the troops to talk about OT1. The Minnesota faithful are going nuts. They really want to knock off the MLS club. Both teams are coming back onto the field. Looks like we have a sub for MIN.
93+ minute- There's the whistle. Extra time is coming. Reminder: we'll play two 15-minute OTs, switching sides in the middle. Even if someone scores, we play all 30. If it's still deadlocked after OT number 2, we go to penalties.
93+ minute- Peterson plays ahead to Cvilikas, Leathers and Watson clear.
92+ minute- Espinoza plays on the left for Lopez who crosses. Ball knocked down, and Morsink's shot from 25 misses wide by a good margin.
91+ minute- MIN cracks a long shot just wide of goal. Close one there folks.
91+ minute- Lopez is entering for Harrington. Lopez will be in for the rest of regulation and extra time if needed. He'll also be on the field for PKs if we get that far. Correction...three minutes of stoppage time. The two was for Harrington leaving the feld.
90th minute- Morsink dekes Cvilikas, then plays to Kraus. Kraus lays off but no one was making that run. Morsink cracks low shot from 25 that just misses the back post. Two minutes of stoppage time starting now.
90th minute- MIN clears, KC regains possession and comes up the left.
89th minute- Watson ahead to play a long throw in.
89th minute- Morsink plays Gomez up the right. Gomez wins a throw near the corner flag.
88th minute- Gomez fouled by Olum as he changes speed in midfield. Long ball from WAtson to Espinoza is deflected out for MIN GK.
87th minute- Sanchez smartly doesn't play offside Tarpley, instead trying to find late-breaking Olum. Watson slides in to clear, however.
87th minute- Watson plays long switch to Thompson in left corner. KC throw.
86th minute- KC switches all the way to the right, Gomez eventually running at Peterson. Gomez goes down to no call...GK MIN.
85th minute- Tarpley fouls McKenzie and draws yellow near top of KC area...KC counters quickly.
84th minute- Thompson races to a ball on the left, but he can't quite keep it in...MIN GK.
83rd minute- Sanchez goes to his left and buries it in the upper-left corner. 2-2 now in the 84th.
83rd minute- Sanchez lines it up for a left-footed effort. Pardo doing jumping jacks in the goal and being told to stand on his line.
82nd minute- Cvilikas plays centrally for Tarpley who spins, but is fouled in the area by Leathers. PK MIN. Sanchez again.
81st minute- Espinoza rips a shot from distance high after Kraus back-tracked to break up a play.
80th minute- Espinoza puts Thompson into space on the left. Thompson attempts to pass centrally to Herc making run at PK spot, but MIN clears.
80th minute- Sanchez slips Tarpley through, but McKenzie and Watson combine to break up the play after he appeared to be through.
79th minute- Tarpley fouls McKenzie in area after riding him for a while...fans groan but KC plays out of the back.
78th minute- Espinoza hits shot from distance that goes high over the bar.
78th minute- Espinoza is now in a central attacking role, with Gomez on the right and Harrington on the left.
77th minute- MIN crosses to Cvilikas who heads centrally to Sanchez. Sanchez fouls Leathers and crowd starts to boo. Herculez Gomez enters for Graham Zusi.
75th minute- Watson attempts to get into the play, but MIN breaks it up then conters down his side. He hustles back to slow up the effort. Cvilikas drops for Sanchez who hits a rocket on goal that Pardo holds.
74th minute- Pardo takes the restart as fans go crazy over the mascot throwing out some prizes.
73rd minute- Sanchez played Dyachenko over the top, but he was offside. He lofts the ball into the net anyway. Sanchez gets a yellow for dissent after arguing the call.
73rd minute- Sanchez goes down looking for a foul after making a square pass...none called. Some fans groan but MIN keeps possession.
72nd minute- Peterson brings the ball out of the back, and KC is all over MIN as they come up the field. Eventually the ball goes wide to Dyachenko who crosses to Cvilikas. His header didn't have enough on it and hung for Pardo to hold.
71st mintue- Zusi fouled but KC keeps possession on advantage. Harrington attempts a back-post chip from 35, but the ball goes over the bar for a GK.
70th minute- Cvilikas receives an outlet on a mini break, cuts inside Watson but skies his shot from 25.
69th minute- Dyachenko received a pass cutting toward the KC end line, but his touch is a little too far and goes out for GK. KC takes possession and knocks it around the back line.
68th minute- Dyachenko dispossesses Harrington near the end line, KC then counters with a couple of nifty back heels eventually putting Thompson into the area with a look at goal. His left footed shot from the left corner of the area held by Platter.
67th minute- Zusi sends in corner with nasty bend on the ball. Platter tips wide for Espinoza corner on the other side.
67th minute- Morsink puts Kraus behind D with long ball from midfield, eventually Espinoza finds Zusi cutting toward the goal. Shot is blocked out for CK on the left. Zusi over the ball.
66th minute- Sanchez plays Dyachenko through on the right, but Rod gives it away with a pass to where Sanchez was instead of where he was cutting.
65th minute- Harrington again beats Peterson on the right, but his centering effort for Kraus is deflected clear. Pardo regroups and plays to McKenzie.
64th minute- Marquess hits a great cross-field ball to Harrington near the top of the area, who plays past a defender for Thompson in the area. Thompson crushes a shot just high of the bar from 10 yards out at a very tough angle.
63rd minute- Zusi called for foul on the right wing. He disputes heavily to no avail, MIN takes restart and switches the field...Leathers eventually steals and pushes ahead.
61st minute- Watson makes a couple of nifty moves around Cvilikas on the right, then plays ahead to Zusi. Zusi puts Kraus behind on the right,k who wins throw. On the throw, Harrington crosses for Espinoza who heads backward toward the PK spot but no one was there.
60th minute- Zusi swings a ball toward the near post, but MIN clears.
60th minute- Espinoza's quality cross toward Leathers at the back post is punched out by Platter. CK Zusi.
59th minute- Zusi plays the corner to the back post, headed out by Arango. Corner now from the right for Espinoza.
58th minute- Harringotn intercepts pass and speeds up the right, beating Peterson before serving cross...ball is cleared, but Zusi holds, plays wide to Espinoza who hits hard toward back post, but Platter makes an excellent save. GREAT build-up play there from KC and a good save. KC corner on the left.
58th minute- Zusi hits a bending ball toward Kraus making a diagonal run at the back post, but the cross goes too far and out for GK.
57th minute- Zusi and Marquess over the long restart, Wizards attackers making runs in the area...Marquess bends a shot toward the left upper-90, but it goes just high as Platter seemed to have it covered anyway.
56th minute- Peterson plays ahead to Cvilikas up right, but Leathers does well to beat him to the ball and play out for throw...Kc takes possession after throw and counters through Zusi. Arango pulls down Zusi as he gets by, bringing a yellow and a restart on the right.
55th minute- Espinoza takes the corner again, serving in-swinger toward panelty spot...Leathers just misses on volley attempt and MIN clears.
54th minute- Harrington comes up the right with speed, winning a CK when his cross is blocked by sliding Peterson.
53rd minute- Leathers brings ball forward, plays Zusi who spins wide for Harrington on the odd-man break. Harrington hits a hard, low cross for Kraus at the back post, but Kraus just misses with a sliding attempt as the ball goes out for GK.
53rd minute- Espinoza's effort is cleared by MIN, but KC gets it back. Ball bounces around, eventually going to MIn on a throw.
52nd minute- Watson plays Kraus in behind defense and Kraus wins a corner by cutting on a defender who plays the ball out of bounds. Espinoza takes the CK, to serve an in-swinger.
52nd minute- Olum takes a shot from 10 yards out wide right of goal after nice switch then center by MIN. Pardo GK.
51st minute- Pardo is up and takes the restart, playing the ball long.
50th minute- Peterson plays ball over defense toward Cvilikas...Pardo comes out of the area to head the ball away and he and Cvilikas come together. Cvilikas shown a yellow card for the challenge.
49th minute- Kraus pressures ball bakc to Platter, who clears and MIN keeps possession.
48th minute- Cvilikas springs Tarpley up left with long ball. McKenzie forces long ball toward center that is broken up by Espinoza. MIN keeps possession.
47th minute- scoreboard is off again, so we'll be guessing. KC wns back possession after attempted clearance by Kirk. Kc throw on the left.
46th minute- And we're off for the second half, with Minnesota taking the kick going right to left on your screen.
Halftime- USL teams are putting on some strong performances right now. The full scoreboard is available here at USOpenCup.com. The Wilmington Hammerheads defeated the Chicago Fire 1-0 tonight, the Charleston Battery defeated Chivas USA 3-1 and the Harrisburg City Islanders are up 2-1 on New England in extra time. D.C. beat the Ocean City Barons 2-0, and Columbus is tied 1-1 with Rochester in the 70th minute. Portland and Seattle play tomorrow, with the winner facing the winner of our game tonight next Tuesday. If Minnesota wins, they will host. If we win and Seattle wins, the game will be played in the Pacific Northwest. If we win and Portland wins, we will host July 7 at Shawnee Mission North HS.
46th minute- And halftime is here. A good scrappy goal from Kraus and a pair of PKs leave KC ahead 2-1 going into the break. MIN fans have been loud and supportive. KC had the run of play early, but MIN has gotten into the game more at the end. A couple of nice saves from Platter and a couple from Pardo have kept the game at 2-1, though both side had a couple chances to make it more. We'll be back at the start of the second half.
46th minute- Watson long throw is flicked on by Thompson then met by Kraus. Platter stops the initial shot then holds the rebound.
45th minute- Zusi's corner kick is deflected clear, and Harrington takes it on the right. He sends in a cross that is cleared by Peterson for a throw in near the corner flag.
45th minute- Espinoza released the pressure, finding Thompson long. Thompson held the ball up and won a corner kick as his teammates came upfield.
44th minute- MIN is playing much better now. Dyachenko fed Tarpley behind the defense all alone, but Pardo came up huge to stop the breakaway attempt. VERY dangerous chance there for MIN.
43rd minute- Marquess trips as Morsink looks for him wide on the left and the ball goes out of play for a MIN throw.
43rd minute- Seems I was guessing right. Clock is back on. Sanchez takes the free kick and it's deflected by the wall and stopped by Pardo. Espinoza fouled as the Wizards counter.
42nd minute- I'm guessing on times now because the in stadium clock is broken. the MIN fans are VERY energized after that PK. Espinoza called for foul 40 yards out in the center. Big guys again forward for MIN.
41st minute- Sanchez buries it in the lower-right corner as Pardo guessed correctly. Great PK shot from Sanchez. 2-1 KC.
41st minute- Sanchez steps up to take the PK as KC players protest to no avail.
40th minute- Sanchez plays bending ball to near post. PK called as a KC player apparently pulled on a MIN player as he attempted to get to the cross.
39th minute- Marquess fouls on the left wing. Sanchez over the ball with the big bodies forward.
38th minute- MIN wins throwin on right side, with Olum playing to Dyachenko...Olum gets ball back and is stood up by Marquess before laying back forDyachenko who crosses and MIN keeps possession.
37th minute- Zusi attempts to curl ball over defense for cutting Kraus, but MIN heads clear. KC regains possession.
36th minute- Thompson again called for offside as Marquess attempts curling ball behind the back line. Thompson was behind the defense and attempted to pull back level but could not. Platter restart.
35th minute- Thompson cross attempt from right side of penalty area is cleared by MIN for KC throw in on the other side of the half line.
34th minute- Pardo plays long after back pass....Harrington is flicked on by Thompson but won by MIN.
33rd minute- MIN outlets quickly to Cvilikas who is a very big body, but McKenzie holds him off and outlets for Kraus up the right. Thompson slips Zusi through, but Zusi is called offside.
32nd minute- Well-hit corner is cleared by McKenzie..Andrew Peterson formerly of the Crew hits a rocket on goal from distance that is punched clear by Pardo.
31st minute- Watson intercepts, eventually getting the ball to Harrington who attempts a back-post ball for Espinoza that is held by Platter. MIN wins CK on ensuing counter after back pass for Pardo is too wide and goes over the end line.
31st minute- MIN with some extended possession on the right now pulls it back and switches sides, Kraus chasing all the while.
29th minute- Just as I say that, Pardo hits a Lazer out of his penalty area to the head of Thompson that is just a couple inches too high and MIN takes possession.
28th minute- In between clearance by MIN forces Pardo out of the penalty area to clear with his feet. Pardo was a field player until he was 18 years old...good feet.
27th minute- Cvilikas beats Leathers to ball and curls cross toward late-breaking Sanchez at back post. Cross is just too long and goes out for goal kick. Good look there for MIN.
26th minute- MIN with an extended possession, but Kraus breaks it up tracking back. MIN regains possession and Dyachenko feeds an offside Tarpley up the left. KC restart.
25th minute- Watson breaks up a play in the defensive third and is then fouled. KC with possession.
24th minute- Kraus called for foul on MIN center back...long ball from Platter.
22nd minute- Member of the supporters group just yelled: "If Brazil can do it, we can do it." Pretty funny stuff.
22nd minute- Sanchez plays long ball for Tarpley on the left, but it runs out of play for a goal kick. Good look from Sanchez, just hit it too far. Pardo plays the goal kick long.
21st minute- MIN attemps a through ball to streaking forward Cvilikas, but Pardo eats it up off his line.
20th minute- Zusi plays to Kraus on right who drops to Harrington...Harrington plays Zusi centrally who hits a shot high over the bar from 25 yards out.
19th minute- GOAL! Thompson slots it inside the left post past diving Platter for 2-0 Kansas City lead. That's a good two-minute stretch!
18th minute- Kraus crosses for Espinoza at the back post but it's just over his head...PK called as Kraus is taken home in penalty area looking for the ensuing cross.
17th minute- GOAL!!! Espinoza plays cross through penalty area after Zusi lays off ball in penalty area. Kraus** then touches home inside back post for 1-0 Kansas City lead.
**corrected
16th minute- Morsink plays Marquess in on left side, cross along ground toward Kraus is held by Platter on the goal line.
15th minute- Harrington breaks up MIN attack on the left, with Wizards winning a goal kick.
14th minute- Marquess fouls Dyachenko near center cirle. MIN wins throw in near left corner flag after Watson heads clear long ball attemp on quick restart.
13th minute- Dyachenko fouls Espinoza hard on left...KC plays quick restart thatsis eventually popped into the air by Dyachenko and caught by Platter.
12th minute- Pardo plays short, KC keeping possession with the defenders.
12th minute- MIN wins another corner kick after Sanchez played in cross from right that was cleared by McKenzie. Sanchez with the corner that bends out of play for a Pardo goal kick.
11th minute- MIN corner kick after McKenzie broke up pass intended for Dyachenko...MIN brings its big center backs forward. Morsink clears the CK.
10th minute- Espinoza sends in a beautiful bending cross to Thompson that Abe heads home, but he's called for being offside. Close call.
10th minute- MIN brings possession up the left, but Watson intercepts and KC switches. Lots of one and two-touch passing from the Wizards.
9th minute- KC keeps possession in their own half...Pardo sending a ball long that is won by KC after a knock-down.
8th minute- Dyachenko sends in a cross that is cleared by Zusi...Kirk then crosses but the header hits the cross bar...MIN called for a foul on the play anyway.
7th minute- Watson plays long ahead to Harrington who beats his man to the ball and sends a cross to Thompson...cleared...Morsink gets the ball back and sprays wide to Harrington whose cross is intercepted by Platter.
6th minute- Pardo scoops up the ball after a Platter goal kick, sending it to Harrington on the right wing...MIN takes possession then gives the ball away to Marquess with a long pass.
5th minute- Morsink splits two defenders for Watson up the right, who crosses to Espinoza at the back post, but his attempted cross goes out of play for a goal kick.
5th minute- Espinoza puts Thompson between two defenders, but the pass is too hot to handle and ends up with Platter.
4th minute- Pardo eventually springs a counter after a long ball from the back, Marquess fouls Kirk near the top of the Minnesota penalty area with a high kick.
3rd minute- Pardo touches the ball for the first time, from an Espinoza back pass, then again from a pair of McKenzie back passes.
3rd minute- Espinoza cuts off a MIN clearance attempt, but his shot is held by Platter and would not have been on goal.
2nd minute- Marquess puts cross into area, but it is cleared from danger. KC regains possession.
2nd minute- Zusi attemps to put Thompson through up the right, but MIN slides to break up the play.
1st minute- Kansas City takes the ball back and knocks it around the back line from right to left.
1st minute- Zusi fouls Sanchez near the half line, giving Minnesota the ball.
7:40 p.m. - And we're under way. Kansas City takes the kick and controls possession.
7:38 p.m. - She did a great job, and the players are now taking the field. Kansas City will be going from right to left as you look at your computer screen.
7:36 p.m. - Miss Minnesota is singing the National Anthem.
7:35 p.m. - The PA dude gets quite excited in introducing the Thunder, and the fans get pretty loud. It's a decent crowd here tonight at the National Sports Center, a venue that can hold up to 10,000 I'm told.
7:34 p.m. - The refs and both teams have reached the half line and are assembling for the national anthem. The Wizards are in white, with Minnesota in dark blue/navy.
7:33 p.m. - Fans have lined up in a human tunnel and are awaiting players. The Thunder's supporters section has started beating their drums, and the Thunder mascot just came out. Here come the players! Kickoff is just around the corner
7:31 p.m. - Alright, this post is the place for living running commentary during tonight's match. You can also watch online at USLlive.com. Kickoff is in about 4 minutes, so get ready. The lineups and subs are below. Just had a good chat with Bruce McGuire of du Nord. Great guy...check out his website daily if you don't already: www.dunordfutbol.com.
