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by Paul Hendren
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On Friday evening the Toronto Lynx completed their four game road trip with a resounding 3 - 0 victory over the Ricmond Kickers before a paltry crowd of 1,126 at University of Ricmond Stadium. Toronto, now with a record of 2 - 2, passed their first test against quality opposition with flying colours by beating a team considered by many to be in contention for the Atlantic Division title. The fifth year Kickers, with a budget of close to US $1 million, boasts a line up that includes three former members of Major League Soccer and numerous players with international experience. Over the past two games Toronto has been able to field their full squad with the additions of Tom Kouzmanis , Lei Gong , Martin Dugas and Pat Onstad. Their valuable experience appears to be paying dividends for the expansion team. Defender Martin Dugas , who was schooled in Dutch soccer, helped Toronto jump out to an early lead by scoring an unassisted goal at the 12th minute. Twenty minutes later , young stand out Elvis Thomas placed a shot past former Wake Forest backstop Mike McKinty to make the score 2 - 0 for Toronto. In his previous four games McGinty has only allowed two goals including a penalty during Richmond's 3 -1 victory over Long Island. The inclusion of Darren Tilley in the attack again paid off for Toronto as he netted the final goal of the game at the 40th minute on a set up by former Chinese Youth International Lei Gong. Pat Onstad continued to act as a stabilizing force between the Lynx posts by turning aside all 16 shots. Toronto's biggest test of their young season will occur on Victoria Day (May 19) when the Lynx will face the undefeated Rochester Raging Rhinos at Toronto,s fabled Varsity Stadium. Toronto's promotion for their home opener has included two for one ticket deals and the potential for $10,000 in prizes. The Lynx also recently announced that all of their 14 home games will be televised on Rogers Community 10. |
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