The Toronto Lynx came
one step closer to securing their first post season play-off birth in
three years with a hard fought 2 nil victory over the U.S. Pro-40 Selects
in front of 2,545 at Varsity Stadium.
The Lynx came out with
purpose and Brian Ashton put the home side on the board in only the 5th
minute of play. Francisco Dos Santos made a break down the right
side and sent a dangerous cross into the box. Colombian
Juan
Arango knocked it down to Ashton who fired it a home with the
outside of his right foot.
The US Pro-40's came very close to
tieing the match in the 24th minute when Kyle Beckerman found himself all
alone in front of Lynx keeper Carmine Isacco but his shot went inches wide
of the right post.
Toronto came close to doubling their lead near
the end of the first half but Joe Mattacchione headed Juan Arango's pass
just outside the right post.
The second half featured few scoring
opportunities but much tension culminating with a second yellow card to
the Pro-40's Micah Cooks who pulled down Lloyd Barker in the 63rd
minute.
The Lynx took quick advantage of the manpower disparity and
made it 2 nil in the 71st minute. Defender Mauricio Vincello
incisively cut through the confused Pro-40's defence and sent a short pass
to Francisco Dos Santos who
made no mistake putting the ball over and
onrushing Matt Napoleon.
Bad feelings again arose in the 74th
minute when Pro-40's striker Marvin Quijano maliciously drove his studs
into the calf of Vincello. Adrian Serious came to the aid of his
teammate shoving Quijano to the turf only to get himself a yellow
card.
Evidently, referee Manuel Orlano did not see the
initial action of Quijano as the Pro-40 received no punishment from the
official on a foul that was violent and an obvious red card.
In
their drive to score a third goal and pick up the all important bonus
point, the Lynx attacked continuously over the final ten minute but David
Diplacido, Chris Pozniak and Nebojsa Vignjevic all missed golden
opportunities.
Francisco Dos Santos was also close to scoring the
third match on a spectacular effort that may have been the play of the
game. With time fast running out, the Brazilian striker took
possession of the ball on the edge of the Pro-40's box. He held the
ball freezing the US defenders before sending a magnificently curling ball
to the far post. The ball drifted past
the outstretched arms of
keeper Napoleon only to bounce off the woodwork.
With the four points garnered tonight, the Lynx magic
number now stands at five over the Montreal Impact. Toronto now
leads the Impact by six points with two games in hand.
The
Lynx next home game is this Sunday vs. Dwayne DeRosario's Richmond
Kickers. Kick-off is 7:30pm.
Notes: Tonight was "Swing
50+ Night" at Varsity. Country Hoedown / Hee Haw legend Gordie Tapp
provided the pre-game entertainment with a very amusing monologue and also
performed Oh Canada ..... The Star Spangled Banner was performed by the
equally legendary Tommy Lovegrove who made his name in the U.K. on the BBC
and fronting Big Bands. His rendition of the US anthem
was
probably the most tasteful version heard at Varsity in many a year.
Lovegrove recently appeared at Roy Thomson Hall as part of the "Royal Bank
Jubilee Show" ..... Both Lyndon Hooper and Milan Kojic missed the
match due to injury ..... Lynx regular starting keeper Theo Zagar was
riding the pines after a nightmare vs. Vancouver last Sunday.
Carmine Isacco was strong in the Lynx net and may have earned himself a
start on Sunday vs. Richmond ..... The US Pro-40's are having a rough
season with a record that now
stands at 7 wins, 17 losses and 1 draw
good for 5th place in the A-League's Central Division ..... the Lynx Lloyd
Barker has been playing magnificent soccer and while it man not show on
the scoresheet, he has been looking confident, energetic and dangerous
whenever in possession of the ball...... the ceremonial kick-off was
performed by Hector Marinaro Sr. currently of the NPSL's Toronto
Thunderhawks. |