About Us - McLean MPS Thunder
The Thunder currently plays in the 2nd Division of the National Capital Region Soccer League. The Thunder plays soccer year round - fall and spring seasons and a winter indoor/training season. The team practices twice a week as a team in the fall and spring and also takes advantage of the MPS skills session one additional evening during both seasons. In the winter, most boys play in an indoor league at the Dulles Sportsplex. In addition, during the winter, the coach holds a training session one evening a week that concentrates on individual skills. Also in the winter, when weather permits the team practices outdoors on the turf field in Mclean (either training or local scrimmages).
History
Thunder History -- the U13 year
The 2004-2005 year was again highlighted by many successes at a very high level of play in the top division of the ever tough National Capital Region Soccer Association. Thunder played against the top teams in the region and maintained their position in Division 1. Although the team had a tough time scoring, they scored when needed. Combined with a very tough defense, the team managed to win and tie enough to stay in Division 1. The Spring 2005 season not only brought the challenge of Division 1, but was also the team's second opportunity to compete for the Virginia State Cup. Thunder also played well in many local tournaments, winning one and doing well in the others.
Thunder History -- the U12 year
The 2003-2004 year was highlighted by many successes and a higher level of play. Thunder won promotion to the highly competitive NCSL U12 Division 1 by winning a U12 Division 2 championship in the Fall 2003, finishing 6-2-1. The Spring 2004 season not only brought the challenge of Division 1, but was also the team's first opportunity to compete for the Virginia State Cup, falling in the quarterfinals to the eventual State champion. Thunder also played well in two local premier tournaments--Bethesda and Potomac--going a combined 4-0-2 in group play but coming just short of a tournament championship. Competitive tryouts brought one new player as the team looks to work hard over the summer and continue improving.
Thunder History -- the U11 year
The U-11 year was by far the most memorable for the team. The Fall 2002 season started well with our new Adidas Europe uniforms and four new players as Thunder claimed the Columbia Tournament in August. The regular NCSL season was marred by weather and sniper-related postponements but the team recovered from an 0-2 start to post a respectable 4-2-3 record before closing out the season as Bethesda Tournament Champions. The winter and spring 2003 season were just as eventful, with record snows and rains. The MSI March Madness Tournament was SNOWED OUT on the second day while the 2003 Virginian was completely rained out. Thunder finished the shortened spring season with only one loss at 3-1-3, and the U-11 year at 20-7-9. Competitive tryouts brought two new players to our roster, as the team looks forward to Fall 2003.
Thunder History -- the U10 year
Renamed the "Thunder," the team started the Fall 2001 season with 11 of the 12 original members, recruiting one new player to fill the roster. Most significantly, Coach Curtis joined the team, guiding them to a combined 31-9-4 record. The team posted an NCSL record of 12-4-2 and three tournament championships, including a hardfought Virginian Championship in May 2002 that was decided by penalty kicks. Competitive tryouts brought four new players to the team as they prepared to play 11v11.
Thunder History -- the U9 year
The team was originally formed and joined the National Capital Soccer League (as the "Thunderbirds")in the fall of 2000. Playing 7-a-side soccer, the team earned a respectable 30-9-4 record, including consecutive NCSL season records of 8-0-1 and going 7-0 to win an indoor division championship. Tournament play proved to be the team's biggest challenge, and while the young Thunderbirds played tough, they had yet to claim a tournament trophy.