I wasn't there the whole game, but by the looks of what I saw, the Pat's played like sh!t.

Thanks for posting this - was the part you saw as boring as the score sounds? What a way to start the season (for us, Thunder, anyway).

El Paso....your website needs updating.

Hell yeah! The game was boring and frustrating as f*ck. As for the website, yeah we do need that piece of crap updated. However, I think you have a better chance of winning the lottery than the Pat's front office finally working on the site.

Both teams were out of sync all game long. Towards halftime, Minnesota started getting close, but EP defense held. The Pat's seemed very uninspired out there. The ref missed a lot of calls, but none that were "significant". The Pat's lack of speed and size stood out in my mind.

* Prediction: Matthew Stewart will not be around much longer if he keeps playing the way he has been. He was substituted at the half.
* Where's Carlos Martinez?
* Attendance: I estimate it at about 2,000-2,500.
* Not much of an atmosphere at the game.

I suppose we could use the previously mentions injured/loaned players as an excuse (and Chris Roner, who we thought would play, was recalled back to San Jose).

But on the road, on a pre-season cut short (too many games in the snow - which its doing again, BTW), I guess we'll take a tie.

Well as for EP propes, we kinda don't really have an excuse.

StarTribune.com: Thunder opens season with tie



E.P.Times: Patriots, Thunder grind out a tie

You know, he is right. Last year's team would of given up the goal. In all honesty, in the small amount of time I was there, I was really expecting Minnesota to score. When I got to the game and saw that the crowd and the team seemed dead, I was expecting the worse. The couple times Minnesota got close, the first thought in my head was, "Here we go, Minnesota put's one in the net". Luckily that moment never came.

He is right, at least we got a point.

The change to this stadium "closer to town" from the one used last year and the giving away of discount coupons sure didn't draw much of a crowd.

Too early in season? Folks thinking this team will be same as last and, if they keep doing as well, maybe the fans will start coming? Mexico Leagues across river still playing?

All of the above, plus the Fabulous Chicken appearing for the El Paso Diablos in mighty Texas League Baseball action about 10 miles north of Dudley.

Dudley sits right by the busiest international bridge connecting Juarez and El Paso. One of the team's hopes was that more Mexican fans would cross knowing they wouldn't have to drive far. I don't think they've ever had a demographic survey done to measure that, but it might be worth an investment just to see who's who.

I seem to remember mixed statements from people like Chuwy that, yes, being at Dudley did attract fans from across the border in past but also talk that the Mexicans thought A-League sucked and didn't come over. With the new "big name" coach, you'd think it would help.

By the way: team that has supposedly put in hard/heavy/good practices in good climate for a few weeks manages to only hold team from frozen north which has had little good practice time due to snow etc. to a tie. Not sure that bodes well for us.

True, we did better than would have happened last year. But to say, "great, we got away with a point" should realistically be put, "well, yes, we got a point out of the deal but blew what should have
been three points, thus, we lost two points we'll probably never get back so easy."

The teams across the river are in fact still playing. 3rd division Astros de Ciudad Juarez have advanced to the league finals. The winner of the "summer" championship will face the winner of the "winter" championship to gain promotion to the second division. 4th division Soles de Ciudad Juarez are currently in the league quarterfinals. The highest level team in Juarez, Cobras de Ciudad Juarez (they are a farm club of first division club Monterrey) are currently in last place in their group and in 15th place overall. There are 20 clubs in the second division.

I have to say that I am a tad dissapointed that the team has not attracted more fans. Considering how affordable tickets are, I thought there would be huge crowds at DF.

I found this brouchure at the first game that had the season ticket packages. Season tickets are $55. That is not a bad deal at all. The one package I found to be the best however, is the "Patriot's Membership" for $10. With the Pat's Membership, you receive a free adult admission for every one adult ticket you buy. Plus you get discounts at local restaurants and stuff. I think if more people were more aware of these packages, the Pat's would have more season package holder's.

Here is what I am talking about:

Speaking of tickets, I have to say that the team has to clarify how the discount coupon's work. At the first game I was able to buy four tickets with just one coupon. However, at the second game I was only allowed to buy one ticket with the one coupon I had. The lady said that I needed one coupon for each ticket I buy. Someone make up their mind!!! Also, whichever way the coupons work, make sure you make it clear on the coupons.

Sounds like they're trying to do some good stuff, but if no one knows about it, then it might as well not have been offered.

Chuwy, fan club ought to offer its services in something like going to mall (and similar places) and setting up a booth on weekends to hand out literature, coupons etc. Of course players ought to put some time in but doubt very much you'll get them to do that...now that they are "stars".