TORONTO LYNX MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LYNX OPEN 2003 SEASON!
April 28, 2003 (TORONTO, ON) — The Toronto Lynx open their seventh season of showcasing fine pro soccer talent in the North American A-League this Saturday, May 3rd at 7:35pm in Pittsburgh versus the Riverhounds. After finishing the 2002 season on a role, the Lynx are looking for a strong start to 2003 as they gear up for their first run to the playoffs since 2000. Among the returning Lynx veterans are Theo Zagar, the 2002 Lynx MVP and one of the most talented goalkeepers in the A-League today; Robbie Aristodemo, the 2001 A-League Rookie of the Year and Lynx MVP; and defensive standouts Mauricio Vincello, Adrian Serioux and Joe Mattacchione, all former Lynx Best Defensive Player Award winners. The Lynx have also added some experienced and talented players to their lineup. Argentinean, Sebastian Barclay, is a natural goal scorer who has played professionally in Chile and Argentina, while Dutch defender, Jan Veenhof, has experience in the EUFA Cup with FC Groningen (Netherlands) and has also played professionally in Japan and Albania.
The Riverhounds are hoping to improve on their 4th place finish in the Northeast Division in 2003. They expect big contributions from former Major League Soccer player and team Captain Ricardo Iribbarren of Argentina; 2002 leading goal scorer David Flavius (8G, 3A, 19P); and midseason pick up from the Minnesota Thunder, Thiago Martins who scored 8 goals in 8 games with Pittsburgh in 2002.
EARLY HOME OPENER THIS YEAR!
Toronto Soccer fans will finally be able to cheer for their home town heroes on Saturday, May 10th at 4:00pm at Centennial Park Stadium against division rival, Montreal Impact. This is one of the earliest starts to the home season ever in Toronto and promises to be a heated battle. The Impact will counter the Lynx lineup with a familiar group that is getting used to having A-League success. The perennial playoff team is led by coach, Bob Lilley, and features defenders Nevio Pizzolitto and Gabriel Gervais, talented midfielder Mauro Biello and Cuban striker Eddy Sebrango. The Impact are one of the preseason favourites to capture the A-League championship, and will provide the Lynx with a great early season benchmark.
Among many other fan interactives and promotions, Lynx fans in attendance will receive a 2003 schedule magnet courtesy of Lynx sponsor Bic Incorporated. The Opener will also feature Toronto Mayoral candidate, John Nunziata as the celebrity kicker and the official outing of the Scouts of Greater Toronto and Girl Guides, who will be on hand selling their famous Girl Guide cookies. In addition, the Lynx will be hosting referees who will be in town for the National Clinic for Referees. The Toronto/Montreal match will be used as a formal analysis for referees and is being promoted by the CSA nationally. Tickets are still available, call 416-251-4625 ext.31 or visit www.lynxsoccer.com for more information.
Lynx Reminders:
* 2003 Press Conference and Meet the Lynx Luncheon - April 30th, 11:30AM @ Travelodge Hotel Toronto Yorkdale
* 2003 Media Day Scrimmage and Lunch - May 7th, 11:00A.M. @ Centennial Park Stadium
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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
DAVID NUTT -- MEDIA RELATIONS, TORONTO LYNX
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