The weather battle resumed in a gritty, scrappy battle at Lakeville North High School, where Sioux Falls has not won. Thunder entered the game on the back of a 1-0 win against Joy AC. On the other hand, it was the NPSL debut for the hosts, although they warmed up with a 7-0 demolition of MASL club Camargo FC to qualify for the Minnesota Super Cup.
Blizzard started with a fair few returnees. Danny Burgos in goal was backed by Nathan Sealy, Fernando Cuevas, Devan DiGrado and Ethan Le Monie in defense, Diego Navia and Liam Corr in midfield and Cian McGoey, Jadon Morgan and Reece Black up front.
Thunder rotated from their first game, although Joseph Valler remained in goal. Ethan Glissendorf, Trace Dobson, Ben Denton and Colin Burke made up the defense. Tarek Nour, Sunao Midorikawa and Brennan Haggerty made up the midfield and Luis Waeschle, Simon Woods and Aidan Bennett led the line.
Thunder scored first, through Simon Woods in the 36th minute.
The hosts grew into the game although they were lucky not to be reduced to ten men after an intense three minute spell when half time substitute Bertrand Ngam was shown a yellow card and then made a lunging tackle.
Instead of a numerical disadvantage, the Blizzard were soon tied. The Ulsterman Jadon Morgan hit the post early for Blizzard in the second half.
It was courtesy of an assist from the Blizzard's man of all seasons Devan DiGrado that the game would be tied, with Fernando Cuevas heading home from a long DiGrado throw.
Blizzard head coach Forrest Randall spoke to Northland Soccer Journal after the match:
Honestly, I was disappointed with the result. I feel we have the talent to win games like this, and I don't think we showed our best over the course of the match. Credit to Sioux Falls though - they applied consistent pressure defensively and made it difficult for us to establish any real rhythm or flow in possession. They were organized and earned the result. At the same time, we have a lot of new players in the squad this season, so there's still chemistry and understanding that's developing. I expect things to come along here soon as the group continues to settle in and grow together. I still believe this is a team capable of competing for the top spot, and now it's about responding the right way moving forward.
We have reached out to the Thunder and will update this story when they respond.
There is a full gallery from this game here.
Elsewhere in the Northland
Joy Athletic Club 3-1 Dakota Fusion Futbol Club.
