We have hit that time of the year when all you dream about is spring and the first football match of the new year, so I thought I should ask Thunder General Manager Djorn Bucholz and Coach Amos Magee about their roster for the upcoming season. Since the signing of new players really doesn't get to full steam until March and April I only inquired about the status of players on last years roster. Here they are in alphabetical order and what the plans are for them each:


Terry Alvino - Not official yet, but most likely will be back. He is under contract.

Brett Brannan - Will be back - under contract.

Dustin Brannan – Will be back - under contract.

Chris Brisson – No official word.

Chad Dombrowski – Could be going to Sweden. Not expected back.

Alfredo Esteves – Will be back - under contract.  His father passed away so it may delay his return.

Kevin Friedland – Will be back - under contract.

Leo Gibson - Will be back - just signed new contract.

Tyrone Gordon - Undecided.

Freddy Juarez – Will be back - under contract.

Brian Kallman – Not sure yet. Haven’t spoken to him yet.

Zafer Kilickan – Will not be playing this year.

Nate Knox - No official word.

Kiki Lara - Gone. Signed with Portland.

Aaron Paye – Will not be back.

Nick Platter – Put in an offer to him.

Matt Schmidt - Not sure of his situation. Staying in contact with him, but have heard he may be retiring.

Melvin Tarley – Don’t expect him back.

Godfrey Tenoff – Will be back - under contract.

Ansu Toure – Going to training camp with New York Red Bulls. Will see what happens after they set their roster.

Joe Warren – Currently in negotiations with him.

Mike Wilson – Will not be back.

Nate Winkel – Will be back - under contract.


As for the two players with "No official word" next to their name, Brisson & Knox, it's not looking good for their return.