Toronto Lynx played a friendly with the team Santa Clara of Azores that were just recently promoted to Portugal's top division. (That means next year they'll play Porto, Benfica etc).
Game started at 5:25pm.
8 min...Santa Clara scored. Telmo was given credit for the goal (most members were only known by one name, like Alex of Maritimo!)
What actually happened was Lynx Ricardo Munguia took a wobbly backpass that goalie Jim Larkin put his foot out to stop then kick only the ball went right under his foot and he missed it completely. He ran back to make a swooping kick at it but it already had crossed the line. The announcers even said an own goal and gave Telmo the goal!
44 min...Santa Clara Youssef scored by rolling 7 yard shot into left corner of net after short corner from right to edge of box results in short pass to Youssef.
2nd half:...Lynx substitute almost their entire team (they do have an almost 'must-win' game tomorrow against Charleston Battery).
73 min...Lynx Joe Mattacchione takes 15 yard blast to top right corner of net after three defenders in box easily have a cross covered but head ball forward. Substitute goalie Du (must be the shortest name in history!) had no chance.
88 min...Santa Clara penalty shot...Cuc (pronounced Kook) blasts shot low to right but substitute goalie/goaltending coach Paulo Silva blocks it on dive and rebound booted over net by another Santa Clara player.
Final Score:.....Toronto Lynx......1....Santa Clara of Azores....2...
The crowd was pro Portuguese, (many in other Portuguese League teams or national team uniforms or just red and white like the Santa Clara team colours) as there was no English media advance coverage. The crowd cheered good play on both teams unlike Persepolis of Teheran last year.
Lynx seemed overwhelmed at the beginning but as the goals did not mount up against them, they made some good plays that drew applause.
Stan Adamson of the Lynx thought there were at least 5500 in attendance there but I'd say if you believed there were 6000 at last week's Canada vs Guatemala friendly in Toronto, there'd have to be at least 7000 here. (hey I'm only good at estimating CPSL games or the W-League).
This could be a real morale raiser for the Lynx but short term the team could be very tired tomorrow. I'll let you know!!
Rocket Robin
robing@clo.com
.
.