St. Paul, Minn. – Forward Melvin Tarley scored all four goals to spark the minor-league Minnesota Thunder’s 4-1 upset of the Colorado Rapids in the U.S. Open Cup round of 16 match.
Tarley, who now has six goals against MLS teams this season, scored three times in the second half. The Thunder – who play in the United Soccer Leagues First Division – advanced to the quarterfinal round of the 91-year-old, single-elimination tournament.
Tarley opened the scoring in the 38th minute, beating goalie Joe Cannon from the top of the penalty area after a feed from Nathan Knox. With Minnesota leading 2-0 in the 68th minute, Colorado midfielder Alain Nkong scored the Rapids’ only goal.
Tarley finished off the Rapids with two unassisted goals in the 72nd and 76th minutes.
Rapids acquire versatile player
The Rapids on Wednesday signed midfielder-defender David “Dedi” Ben-Dayan to a multiyear deal. Ben-Dayan’s addition to the team, which will take place after the Aug. 15 international transfer window, is pending proper work authorization from the U.S. government.
Ben-Dayan, who becomes the second Israeli to play in Major League Soccer, joining current Rapids defender Guy Melamed, started his professional career with the prestigious club Maccabi Tel-Aviv, where he played for eight years, winning two league championships and three open cups, performing as a defender and in the midfield.
Ben-Dayan’s international career with the Israeli under-18 and under-21 national teams often had him playing alongside his new teammate Melamed. Ben-Dayan also has represented his country on several occasions with the full national team, playing in European Tournaments as well as World Cup qualifiers for Israel.
Earthquakes waive Hart
The San Jose Earthquakes placed defender Wes Hart on waivers.
Hart, 27, played in 25 games in 2004 and 2005 for San Jose after coming to the team in a trade Feb. 28. 2004. The former Columbine High School player has played in 93 career MLS games, scoring two goals and notching five assists. He played for the Rapids from 2000-03, starting 29 games in his final season with Colorado.
