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by Paul Hendren
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(Toronto: June 15, 1997) After playing some splendid attacking soccer over the last seven games the Toronto Lynx stumbled to a 2-1 victory over the visiting Worchester Wildfire before 1,745 onlookers at Varsity Stadium. The game lacked spark and was filled with missed opportunities and defensive lapses. Englishman Darren Tilley , who continues to be Toronto's main offensive threat, potted both goals for the hosts and missed several glorious opportunities. At the fifteen minute mark Tilley was sent in alone on a helpless Jon Busch in the Wildfire goal and made no mistake. The Wildfire equalized three minutes later when Brad Agoos (younger brother of U.S. National team standout Jeff Agoos) kicked a powerful shot that deflected off teammate Paul Keegan leaving Lynx goalkeeper Pat Onstad flat footed. It was originally thought that Agoos' shot went off a Lynx defender but the goal was awarded to Keegan who appeared to be in the right place at the right time. Toronto went ahead at the 64th minute when substitute Ian Carter slotted a perfect pass to Tilley who scored his fifth goal of the season. Carter has recently returned from Hong Kong where he had a short stint for Eastern in Hong Kong's first division. The dying minutes of the game proved to be the most entertaining with Wildfire goalkeeper Jon Busch brilliantly saving a Tilley penalty while at the other end of the pitch Pat Onstad stopped a sure goal with a fine foot save. After the game Wildfire head coach Nigel Boulton praised the home side describing the Lynx as being a skilled team with pace in every position. Boulton believes that Toronto should go far in the playoffs and he commended Assistant General Manager David Gee for a good job of recruiting players. Worchester , who has one of the smallest budgets in the league, have fallen to 3-8 and they are quickly fading from playoff contention. The highlight of the evening occured during the half time break when 42 year old Carlos Mojica , a painter by trade , appeared to win $10 000 when he kicked a ball through a small hole. Mojica , who was wearing the bright colours of Club America from his native Mexico and doning his Adidias soccer boots , later learned from Lynx officials that he only won second prize as it was his second kick. Unfortunately someone should have told the public address announcer who was broadcasting the assumed good fortune of the elated Mojica. The Lynx , who now sport a impressive record of 8-2 ,depart for a four game road trip before they return for an encounter with Richmond on July 5. The game on July 5 will incorporate quarter final games from the Robbie International youth tournament being played in Scarborough on the same weekend. |
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