The Minnesota Thunder announced today the signing of forward Melvin Tarley, pending international clearance. Also, defender John Greenfield has rejoined the team on loan from the Detroit Ignition of the Major Indoor Soccer League.

Tarley, who spent the 2007 season with the Puerto Rico Islanders and Miami FC, returns to the Thunder where he spent the majority of the years between 2003 through 2006. During the 2005 and 2006 seasons, Tarley was transferred to Major League Soccer teams midway through the season. In 2005 he was transferred to Real Salt Lake and in 2006 to the Colorado Rapids.

In 2005, Tarley was integral in the Thunder’s US Open Cup run to the semifinals. In that season, Tarley scored two goals in the matchup against Salt Lake, and all four goals in the matchup against the Rapids. In league play with the Thunder, Tarley is a proven goal scorer with eight goals in 2004, seven goals in 2005, and five goals in 2006.

"Melvin left the Thunder as a pretty good player,” said Thunder head coach Amos Magee. “He has gotten even better since then with his tactical understanding and maturity. We can play him in the midfield as well as up front, and based on the excellent preseason he had for us, he will be a great addition to our 2008 team."

Greenfield returns to the Thunder after his Ignition lost in the semifinals of the MISL championship. As a member of the Thunder in 2007, Greenfield played in 21 games logging over 1,700 minutes played.

Greenfield hales from Cape Town, South Africa and brings additional experience to an already improved defense.

’John was an important part of our team’s growth last season,” said Magee. “He is an experienced, versatile, skilled defender that will bring composure, professionalism and depth to the Thunder this year. We are thrilled to have him back.’

The Thunder opens its home season on Sunday, May 4 at 5:05 p.m. against the Rochester Rhinos at James Griffin Stadium in Saint Paul. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 651.989.5151