The Minnesota Thunder Soccer Club is the second longest-running outdoor professional franchise in the United States. The team has appeared in six A-League/USL Finals and was the League Champion in 1999. The Thunder has gained national recognition for its youth development programs, having worked with more than 30,000 kids over the last 12 years.
Since its formation in 1990, the Thunder has helped produce dozens of highly notable players. In addition to many who have gone on to successful MLS careers, the Thunder alumni also include several players who have competed at the National level.
NATIONAL TEAM PLAYERS
Tom Presthus (1991-1994)
Leo Cullen (1992-1994)
Manny Lagos (1990-1996)
Tony Sanneh (1990-1996)
Johnny Menyongar (2000-2005)
YOUTH NATIONAL TEAM PLAYERS
Lauren Miller (2008-present)
Kylie Schwarz (2009-present)
Phil Berger (2005 - 2007)
Abdus Ibrahim (2005 - 2006)
Keegan Gunderson (2005 - 2006)
MLS PLAYERS
Tom Presthus (1991-1994) - Columbus, DC United
Sasha Gotsmanov (1997-2002) - Colorado
Kevin Anderson (1998, 2003) - Colorado, Tampa Bay
Mark Schulte (2000-2003) - Columbus
Amos Magee (1991-2004) - Chicago, Tampa Bay
Melvin Tarley (2002-2005) - Real Salt Lake, Colorado
Dustin Branan (2003-04, 2006) - Kansas City
Abdus Ibrahim (2004 - current) - Toronto FC
Kyle Singer (2003 - 2005) - New England Revolution
Since 2002, Bangu Tsunami FC and Wings SC (Minnesota Thunder Academy) have fielded many of the most competitive teams in Minnesota history, as well as helped develop a number of players who have gone on to compete at the highest levels of the game in the United States.
2 USYSA National Finalists (84/85 Girls)
1 USCS National Finals (90/91 Girls)
3 USYSA Region II Champions (93/94 Girls, 84/85 Girls)
2 USYSA Region II Finalists (91/92 Boys, 87/88 Girls)
42 Minnesota State Cup Champions
47 Minnesota State Cup Finalists
Designated as one of 45 Nike Premier Clubs in the US
YOUTH NATIONAL TEAM PLAYERS
Phil Berger (2005 - 2007)
Abdus Ibrahim (2005 - 2006)
Keegan Gunderson (2005 - 2006)
Katherine Krambeer
Caroline Smith
MINNESOTA THUNDER PLAYERS
Bret Branan (2007)
Chris Brisson (2007)
Sasha Gotsmanov (2007)
Brian Kallman (2007 - current)
MINNESOTA LIGHTNING PLAYERS
Katie Becker - Purdue University (Shorewood, MN)
Ann Gleason - Iowa State (Stillwater, MN)
Shari Eckstrom - University of Minnesota (Brooklyn Park, MN)
Marissa Price - University of Minnesota (Apple Valley, MN)
Ali Schwach - Ohio State University (Medota Heights, MN)
Sarah Johnson - Dartmouth (Shorewood, MN)
Josie Solie - University of Minnesota (Mahtomedi, MN)
Melissa Lewis - Drake University (Edina, MN)
Tamara Strahota - University of Minnesota (Eagan, MN)
Julie Rezac - University of Minnesota (Eden Prairie, MN)
Caroline Smith - University of Kansas (Edina, MN)
COLLEGIATE ALL-AMERICANS
Caroline Smith - University of Kansas (2004)
Bobby Kroog - Gustavus Adolphus (2003,2004 and 2005)
HIGH SCHOOL ALL-AMERICANS
Chad Gilmer (2008)
Brianna Westlund (2007)
Krista Lundgren (2007)
Julie Rezac (2006)
Dana Tripp (2005)
Kelsey Hans (2003)
Katherine Krambeer (2002)
Megan Almanzo (1998)
Mr. Soccer & Ms. Soccer
Each year, the “Mr. and Ms. Soccer” titles are given to the top male and female high school soccer player in Minnesota. Many of the past winners have been players who developed their skills as a part of the MN Thunder Academy (Wings and Bangu Tsumani). The following is a list of those who have played for the Club as a youth player:
2009: Maddie Job (Girls A)
2008: Whitney Browne (Boys AA)
2007: Krista Lundgren (Girls AA)
2007: Megan Gallivan (Girls A)
2007: Colin Monestario (Boys AA)
2007: Keido Poure (Boys A)
2006: Tippy Jordan (Girls A)
2006: Abe Gibbons (Boys AA)
2006: Paul Grandstand (Boys A)
2005: Dana Tripp (Girls AA)
2005: Chelsea Turner (Girls A)
2005: Ryan Vint (Boys AA)
2004: Jon Stillwell (Boys)
2003: Kelsey Hans (Girls)
2002: Katherine Krambeer (Girls)
2001: Caroline Smith (Girls)
2001: Chris Glinski (Boys)
2009 All-State Teams
Each year, the MSHSSCA names the top players to their All-State Team. Many players on the team have developed their skills as a part of the MN Thunder Academy (Wings and Bangu Tsumani). The following is a list of those who have played for the Club as a youth player:
Boys
Mario Aleman - Spring Lake Park
Ahmad Bah - Osseo
Nick Forsgren - St Paul Academy
Ryan Johnsrud - Robbinsdale Armstrong
Eric Miller - Woodbury
Girls First Team
Aliha Ballon - Rogers
Brittany Cygan - Woodbury
Maddie Job - Benilde-St. Margaret's ** 2009 Ms. Soccer (Class A) **
Laura Kosch - Benilde-St. Margaret's
Mary Krambeer - Park Center
Ava Mokhtari - Breck
Brianne Price - Eastview
Lauren Reid - East Ridge
Rebecca Roberts - Centennial
Girls Honorable Mention
Devyn Alberts - Farmington
Macie Babo - Orono
Sophie Babo - Orono
Bianca Diaz - East Ridge
Jess Dickhaus - Hopkins
Karalyn Leetz - Park of Cottage Grove
Lauren Miller - St. Louis Park
Jill Richgels - Simley
Jenna Savino - Hill Murray
Lydia Storms - Mounds View
Hannah Werth - Bloomington Jefferson
Emma Worthington - Mounds View
