The Sioux Falls Thunder charged into an early goal in their first conference match of the season against Duluth FC but couldn't hold on, falling to the Minnesota team 1-3.
The Thunder struck just past the three minute mark in their conference opener. A free kick from the sideline dropped neatly onto the head of Thunder defender Patrick Hansen who drove it into the bottom corner of the net, putting the Thunder up 1-0.
The lead would only last 16 minutes, when Duluth defender Stefan Roeb gave chase to a long ball from the Blue-Greens' back line. Just beating closing Thunder keeper Wil Rieves, Roab flicked the ball high into the sky, and the lucky touch dinged into the far corner of the goal. Both sides vied for an edge on the field, trading Duluth set pieces for Sioux Falls counterattacks. However, the score would remain one-all as the halftime whistle blew.
The break (and a myriad of substitutes) seemed to breathe new life into Duluth. For 20 minutes they piled the pressure on, taking shot after shot until a cross in the 65th minute found Duluth defender Dylan Viebrantz-Zavatini, who headed the ball down and in. Another goal from Duluth would sneak in inside the 74th minute.
The Thunder would rally with their next best chance with a 1-on-1 on the Duluth goal saved by the Duluth keeper. The final score remained 1-3 in favor for Duluth.
The Thunder will play their first home game of the season against the Minnesota Twin Stars on Wednesday, May 24th at 7pm.
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