Thunder Drop Road Game to KISS, 69-61

Sunday June 15, 2014

 KISS Now Hold Tiebreaker Advantage

ANAHEIM, Calif. – The Thunder continue to have difficulties dealing with the KISS, as they dropped their second game in Anaheim by a score of 69-61.

The game started off with the Thunder in a hole as an early fumble was returned by the KISS for a first-quarter touchdown. Shortly after that, a fumbled kickoff return by the Thunder was also recovered in the end zone by the KISS, staking the home team to a two-possession lead.

The Thunder fought back, however, with a pick-six of their own by Bryce Peila followed by an end-zone interception by Eric Crocker. They pulled within 35-33 on a quarterback run by Darron Thomas with 16 seconds remaining in the half. KISS quarterback Aaron Garcia threw a quick strike to former Thunder receiver Samora Goodson to extend the halftime lead to nine, however, and the KISS continued to pile on as the Thunder continued to miss extra points and eventually were forced into a turnover on downs.

A last-gasp Thunder effort to tie went for naught as the KISS recovered a Thunder onside kick with 11 seconds to play.

Eric Rogers was the star again for the Thunder, with 10 receptions for 144 yards, four touchdowns and two two-point conversions. Alvance Robinson chipped in with 5 receptions for 72 yards and two touchdowns of his own before leaving with an injury. After Jeffrey Solomon left late in the game with an injury of his own, backup quarterback Darron Thomas stepped in and caught a nine-yard pass.

Both offenses seemed to be unstoppable for the most part, with Thunder quarterback Kyle Rowley throwing for 362 yards and seven touchdowns and KISS quarterback Aaron Garcia finishing the night with 24 completions in 37 attempts and 289 yards.

The Thunder will have their second bye of the season this week, and will follow it with a home game on Thursday, June 26th at 7 p.m. against the New Orleans Voodoo. For all the latest news and discussion on the Portland Thunder, follow the team on Facebook (facebook.com/PDXThunder), Twitter and Instagram (@PDXThunder).

About the Portland Thunder

The Portland Thunder are a professional arena football team of the Arena Football League from Portland, Oregon, USA. They play their home games at the Moda Center. 2014 marks the franchise’s first season.

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