Toronto Sun: Change Is Good for Lynx
April 8, 2004
Change Is Good for Lynx
By JUSTIN BRISBANE, SPECIAL TO THE TORONTO SUN
THE TIMES they are a changin'. That was the theme of the Toronto Lynx news conference yesterday, as the A-League soccer team metamorphosed its roster in hope of erasing the memories of last year's disappointing 11-13 record.
Team owner Nicole Hartrell introduced a new coaching staff, 11 new players, a new captain, a new sniper and two new goaltenders, and said that a new stadium is definitely coming within two years.
New coach Duncan Wilde has been given the task of leading the Lynx into the playoffs. Wilde is a former player with Burnley, Everton and the Manchester United reserve squad who achieved his coaching status with the English FA.
"Our goal is to put a balanced squad together," Wilde said. While pledging that the Lynx will continue to play solid defence, Wilde's main objective this season will be to jump-start Toronto's offence.
"We have big hopes for Ali (Gerba, formerly Ngon) and John Berry Nusum," Wilde said. "And with the narrow field at home, we'll be able to play three defencemen back, freeing up a midfielder to help attack."
IMPROVED OFFENCE
Bermuda national team member Nusum scored seven goals for the Atlanta Silverbacks last season and hopes to improve on those numbers.
"Hopefully I can open up the defence and build good chemistry with Ali," he said. "I only play to win."
Gerba, also a seven-goal scorer, was brought back to Toronto after leaving for Montreal late last season.
In goal, the Lynx have brought in Bryheem Hancock and Richard Goddard to help replace captain and fan favourite Theo Zagar, who is now with the Rochester franchise. Wilde hopes to platoon the two goaltenders early in the season.
Wilde appointed third-year midfielder Shawn Faria as the new captain.
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