TORONTO LYNX MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LYNX BOLSTER STRIKE FORCE!

Tuesday, March 16, 2004 (TORONTO, ON) - With goals always hard to come by for the Lynx last season, the club has added some offensive punch to their lineup in 2004 with the addition of Bermudian international striker, John Barry Nusum. Nusum spent the 2003 A-League season with the Atlanta Silverbacks, where he scored 7 goals and added an assist for 15 points in only 20 games. He made his A-League debut with Atlanta in 2002 recording 3 goals and 2 assists in 24 games. After a standout career at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina where he was named an All-American three times and is still the school’s all-time leader with 61 goals and 161 points, Nusum’s talent was recognized by MLS when he was selected by the Columbus Crew in the 2002 MLS draft.

Regarding his coming to Toronto, Nusum states, “This is a very good opportunity for me. There are a lot of new and exciting things going on with the club and I’m looking forward to being a part of it. Personally, I think that the change in scenery will be good for me and I hope to help the Lynx to the playoffs this season”. Nusum is also a key member of the Bermuda National Team as they begin qualifying for the 2006 World Cup, recording a hat trick in a recent victory over Montserrat in the First Round of the CONCACAF Qualifying. The Lynx are counting on Nusum to maintain this exceptional form into the A-League season. “John Barry is a major acquisition for us,” said Lynx Head Coach, Duncan Wilde. “Since our offense struggled last season, bringing in a goal scorer was one of our top priorities. John Barry Nusum’s size, speed and strength as well as his goal-scoring record will definitely bolster our attack and we are expecting a very productive year from him. Nusum’s combined talent with striker, Ali Ngon, will provide us with a winning force which we are certain will give Lynx fans added offensive excitement!”

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

The Lynx 2003 leader in goals and points, Ali Ngon, has legally changed his name to Ali Gerba. Gerba had 7 goals and 2 assists in 21 games with the Lynx last season before being dealt to the Montreal Impact at the A-League roster freeze deadline and re-signed with the Lynx earlier in the off-season. “It was my mom’s decision,” explains Gerba. “Ngon is my grandfather’s name. In Africa, children are named after their grandparents but my mom wanted me to have my parent’s name, Gerba. I want to assure my fans that my name change will not affect my on field performance, “he jokes. “ I’m in great shape and can’t wait to get the season started!” The Lynx kick off their official training camp on Tuesday, March 23rd at 10am at The Soccer Centre in Vaughan. Lynx players who are already in town are training at the Downsview Hangar while others are making their way to Toronto and beginning their physicals.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION & PHOTOS CONTACT:
DAVID NUTT -- MEDIA RELATIONS, TORONTO LYNX

416-251-4625, extension 30

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