April 27, 2005

DAVIS, Calif. - Former UC Davis goalkeeper and assistant coach Nic Platter has been signed by the Minnesota Thunder of the United Soccer League First Division.

Platter signed with the Thunder on April 15 and will be on the roster for the season opener this Friday against the Portland Timbers in Portland.

Platter spent the 2004 season as an assistant coach with the Aggies following one of the most successful goalkeeper careers in program history. He finished his four-year Aggie career (2000-03) as the all-time leader in shutouts (17) and saves (195), while his 1.01 GAA ranks third all-time.

Platter's finest season came in 2002 when he finished second among California Collegiate Athletic Association keepers with a 0.85 GAA. He recorded a career-high six shutouts and enjoyed a stretch of 195:29 scoreless minutes that earned him CCAA Player of the Week honors.

The USL First Division consists of 12 teams throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. League play began April 16 and runs through September.