report from Michael Koreen of the Toronto Sun...
June 16, 2002
Lynx midfielder sets 'em up
By MIKE KOREEN
-- Toronto Sun
Size doesn't matter.
Pint-sized midfielder Robbie
Aristodemo made a big impact last night, setting up three goals as the Toronto
Lynx tied a franchise record for goals in a game with a 4-2 win over the
expansion Calgary Storm (1-9-1) before 1,118 fans.
The win was
especially sweet for Toronto (3-7-1) because of a unique A-League rule. Any team
that scores at least three goals is awarded a bonus point, meaning Toronto
earned five points in the standings -- teams get four points with a win.
"That was a must-win for us," said the 5-foot-6 Aristodemo, whose team
has won two games in a row.
"We were a little nervous after the first
half (when the Lynx were trailing 2-1)," the 25-year-old said.
"But we
knew (Calgary is) a very young and inexperienced team and if we kept plugging
away, it was only a matter of time (before the Lynx scored)."
When the
second half started, Lynx general manager/coach Peter Pinizzotto made a key
decision. He removed Aristodemo from his left midfield position and put him into
his natural spot in the middle of the pitch for the first time since he joined
the team last season.
"I keep him wide because I think you need a steady
defender there. But he carried some balls in the middle and it was a good move
to put him there," said Pinizzotto, who doesn't know where he'll play Aristodemo
the rest of the season.
"He has been playing very well and he's got a
good touch."
After the Lynx scored on two Aristodemo corner kicks, the
Etobicoke native made a perfect running feed to Niki Budalic in the penalty
area.
The rookie then beat Calgary goalie Lars Herschfeld in the 57th
minute, giving the Lynx a 3-2 lead.
Budalic, goalless during the past
six games, added his team-leading sixth goal in the 75th minute. Milan Kojic and
Mauricio Vincello also scored for the Lynx, who play host to the Pittsburgh
Riverhounds next Sunday.
Mike Pavicic and Peter Heidler replied for the
Storm.
.
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