TORONTO LYNX MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LYNX RE-SIGN MATTACCHIONE
Thursday, March 25, 2004 (TORONTO, ON) – The Lynx secured the services of veteran defender/midfielder Joe Mattacchione for the 2004 season today. The 2002 Lynx Defender of the Year is entering his sixth season with the Club. The Mississauga resident and product of the Dixie Soccer Club and Mississauga Soccer Club is known around the A-League for his rocket right foot and intelligent defensive play and ranks in the Lynx top 10 all-time leaders in goals (7), points (17), games played (104), minutes played (7481) and shots on net (71). Although a foot injury limited him to 19 games in 2003, the graduate of Father Michael Goetz Secondary School, still managed 1 goal and 1 assist from his defensive midfield position and earned an A-League Team of the Week selection, giving him six in his career, the most of any Lynx player. Mattacchione’s veteran leadership will be needed as the 2003 Lynx roster is filled with talented youngsters looking to take the A-League by storm. “I’m very happy to be back with the Lynx,” expresses Mattacchione. “There are a lot of new faces with the Club and a very positive attitude at training. I’ve spent a lot of time with Coach Wilde during the off-season and he has some great ideas and brings a lot of energy to the team. Personally, I want to stay healthy and help the Lynx back into the playoffs.”
LYNX ADD MORE STEELE TO ROSTER
Hard-nosed central defender, Aaron Steele, of Burlington has also been added to the Lynx roster today. Steele, the son of new Lynx Assistant Coach, Billy Steele, is a former youth player with Norwich City in England, where his father enjoyed a stand out professional career. “Since moving to Canada in 2001, I have grown accustomed to the
Toronto area and am very excited to get the chance to begin my professional career here,” said the 20-year old Steele. “I hope to earn a regular spot in the first 11 this season and help the Club improve on last season and make the playoffs.” Steele was also a part of the Hewett School team that won the USA Cup in Minnesota and spent part of the 2003 season with the Hamilton Thunder of the CPSL. Despite his British heritage, Steele qualifies to play with as a Canadian due to his permanent residency status. “I’ve seen a lot of Aaron over his career and I purposely waited until close to the start of the season to sign him,” explained Wilde. “I wanted to be sure that Aaron made the team on his own merit. I am 100% sure that Aaron has the ability and desire to succeed at this level.”
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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
DAVID NUTT -- MEDIA RELATIONS, TORONTO LYNX
416-251-4625, extension 30
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