March 23, 2004 - ST. PAUL, Minn. (Monday, March 22, 2004) –
Two Liberian forwards from Brooklyn Center have joined the
Minnesota Thunder to create an ominous attack on the field, it was
announced today by Thunder officials.
Francis Doe comes in at 5-11,
158-pounds having last played for the Buduburam FC, a division III
team in Ghana. Aaron Paye joins the Thunder at 5-8, 170-pounds
from Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU). The addition of these
two players means four Liberian players will play with the Thunder
for the 2004 season, Johnny Menyongar and Melvin Tarley being the
other two.
Francis Doe, 19, brings to the team his renowned goal-scoring
abilities. Doe is the highest scorer in Buduburam FC’s history,
and in 2002 he held second place in total goals scored in
Cameroon, even though he only played nine games. While on loan to
the Tonnerre Kalara in 2002, he led the team to the Confederation
of African Cup Competition Finals where he scored eight goals in
nine games and had two assists. In 2000 he scored 19 goals and in
2001 he scored 34 goals while playing for the Buduburam FC.
“Francis is a young and very explosive finisher,” said Buzz Lagos,
Thunder Head Coach. “We anticipate a solid year out of this
player.”
Aaron Paye, 23, signs with the Thunder for his first professional
soccer experience. Paye was chosen in the first round of the 2003
A-League draft by the Milwaukee Wave United, but chose to start
his career with the Thunder. This follows his collegiate career at
FDU where Paye earned third team All-American honors, and all
region first team honors. While in high school at Champlin Park,
Paye was named All-State, All-Metro, and All-Conference.
“Aaron has already had an exceptional collegiate career,” said
Lagos. “We are excited to see what new elements Paye brings to the
team this season.”
