Minnesota Thunder News Release - www.mnthunder.com
Friday, January 18, 2007
ST PAUL, MN -- The Minnesota Thunder announced today that is has signed forward Luchi Gonzalez to a three year contract, pending US Soccer approval. Gonzalez, the former sixth overall pick in the 2002 Major League Soccer draft, brings international, MLS, and USL First Division experience to the Thunder.
“Luchi is a player I have long admired,” said Thunder head coach Amos Magee. “ We have tried on several occasions to get him and believe that he is a payer that will make a major impact for the Thunder. Luchi is quick, explosive and will become a fan favorite here in Minnesota immediately.'
Gonzalez spent his college career at Southern Methodist University and was the Hermann Trophy winner in 2001 as college soccer’s best player. He was also named Soccer America’s College Men’s Player of the Year in the same year. His senior season at SMU, Gonzalez tallied 21 goals and 12 assists to lead his team to the NCAA quarterfinals.
After college, Gonzalez was drafted to MLS where he had brief stints with both the San Jose Earthquakes and the Columbus Crew. After the 2002 MLS season, Gonzalez headed for Sweden where he signed with Bodens BK and tallied eight goals and four assists during the 2003 season.
In October of 2003, Gonzalez found a new home with Peruvian Sporting Cristal and notched five goals during the 2004 season. He made his way back to the United States for the 2005 and 2006 seasons with the Colorado Rapids of MLS.
Gonzalez joined Miami FC of the USL First Division for the 2007 season where he played in 26 of 28 games, scoring four goals and two assists including a game-tying goal against the Thunder on June 16 at the National sports Center.
Flexible and regular season ticket packages as well as discounted group tickets to all 15 home games are currently on sale at www.mnthunder.com or by calling the Thunder office at (651) 917-TEAM (8326). Fans can save 10% off their season ticket package if purchased by February 1, 2008. Single-game tickets will go on sale in the spring.
