TORONTO LYNX MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2004 ROSTER EXPOSED AT ANNUAL LYNX LUNCHEON!
Wednesday, April 7, 2004 (TORONTO, ON) – At their annual Press Conference today, the Toronto Lynx announced their 2004 roster to a supportive turnout of media, soccer VIPs, corporate and community partners as they head into their eight season. “We have assembled a quality group of players that will be very competitive this season,” declared the confident and inspirational Lynx Head Coach Duncan Wilde. “When the playoffs roll around, we are certain to be right there in the mix”. The highlight of the player introductions was the announcement of the Lynx new captain, midfielder Shawn Faria. Faria’s leadership both on and off the field will be important this season as the Lynx roster carries many new faces. “We have quality players that are also a great group of guys making for great chemistry,” said Faria is his first address to media as captain. “I have seen nothing but positives in training so far and we are looking forward to getting started.”
Wilde also introduced his coaching staff this season which includes assistant coach, Billy Steele, a former Scottish International, and goalkeeper coach, John Moreira, a Provincial B Licensed coach with NSCAA and OSA Goalkeeping Certifications. There will also be a new face in net this season as former Charlotte Eagles’ ‘keeper, Richard Goddard, competes with former Atlanta Silverbacks’ starter, Bryheem Hancock. The defense looks to once again be the strength of the club this season with veteran cornerstone Adrian Serioux, speedy, athletic Josue Mayard and solid Tyler Hughes back for another season. They are joined at the back by former Norwich City (England 1st Division) left back Lewis Blois, U20 Canadian National Team World Cup star Andres Arango, and Hamilton resident Aaron Steele, who is following in his father’s footsteps as a pro soccer player. The Lynx also unveiled their newest signing, former Richmond Kickers’ defender and All-American at the University of Alabama Birmingham, Rumba Munthali who will also figure in the mix.
The midfield looks jammed-packed with talent and toughness this year. Joining the new captain, Shawn Faria, are returnees David DiPlacido, the 2003 Lynx Best Offensive Player and Joe Mattacchione, the 2002 Lynx Best Defensive Player. Former Scottish Premier League player, Kris O’Neil will take up a wide position and provide service for the strikers, while Canadian newcomer, Igor Prostran returns to Canada to join the Lynx after a spell as a professional in Yugoslavia. Young Canadians’ Jamie Dodds a former star at Robert Morris University and Marin Pusek, the Lynx 1st Round Pick (5th Overall) in the 2004 A-League entry draft have also earned spots on the roster for the 2004 season.
With Coach Wilde promising the Lynx faithful more goals this season, the strike force looks loaded for 2004. The Lynx 2003 leading goal scorer, Ali Gerba (Ngon) has returned to Toronto as a free agent after a late season trade sent him to Montreal in 2003. John Barry Nusum, a Bermudan International, whose 7 goals led the Atlanta Silverbacks last season, joins him up front.
With the kickoff to the 2004 A-League season only 10 days away and the Lynx departing to continue their preseason in Puerto Rico in preparation for the April 17th match up with the expansion Puerto Rico Islanders.
The Lynx also introduced their 2004 Youth program which is delivered through the Toronto Lynx Premier Soccer Academy and includes Toronto Lynx Junior squads in the Super Y League program. Wilde introduced the SYL coaching staff and team captains to all present at the conference: Toronto Lynx Junior U15 and U16 coach Brett Mosen along with Anthony Doran and William Mitchell, the captains of the U15 and U16 squads respectively. The U17 Junior Lynx coached by Tom Croft and captained by John Jonke were unable to attend as they are in the midst of a very successful run at the Dallas Cup that has seen them pickup 1-0 wins in their first two matches. The U19 team coached by Danny Stewart was also introduced along with team captain, Chris Deabreu.
2004 Toronto Lynx Roster
#1 Richard Goddard Goalkeeper
#2 Andres Arango Defense
#3 Lewis Blois Defense
#4 Joe Mattacchione Defense/Midfield
#5 Shawn Faria (captain) Midfield
#6 Aaron Steele Defense
#7 Kris O’Neil Midfield
#8 Rumba Munthali Defense
#9 David DiPlacido Midfield
#10 John Barry Nusum Forward
#11 Igor Prostran Midfield
#12 Marin Pusek Midfield
#13 Jamie Dodds Midfield
#14 Tyler Hughes Defense/Midfield
#15 Adrian Serioux Defense
#16 Josue Mayard Defense
#19 Ali Gerba Forward
#22 Bryheem Hancock Goalkeeper
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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
DAVID NUTT -- MEDIA RELATIONS, TORONTO LYNX
416-251-4625, extension 30
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