TORONTO LYNX MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LYNX HEAD WEST TO FACE WHITECAPS
Wednesday, June 23, 2004 (TORONTO, ON) – Coming off an inspiring draw in Montreal over the weekend, the Toronto Lynx will be taking on another strong Canadian franchise when they travel to Vancouver to meet the Whitecaps this Friday, June 25th at 10p.m. (EST) at Swangard Stadium. Building some momentum with 2 wins and a draw from their last 4 matches, the Lynx currently sit at 4-7-1 in 7th place in the Eastern Conference. Locked in battle for the Western Conference title, the Vancouver Whitecaps hold a 6-4-1 record with 19 points which places them in 3rd place trailing only the Portland Timbers (24 points) and Minnesota Thunder (21 points) for the lead. With Canadian National Team members, Nick Dasovic, Carlo Corrazin, Jeff Clarke and Martin Nash on the roster, Vancouver has an impressive line-up despite the absence of National Team midfielder, Davide Xousa, and 2003 leading goal scorer, Jason Jordan, due to suspensions.
This match is also a must win for both teams if they hope to keep pace with the Montreal Impact in the race for the Voyageurs Cup, Canada’s unofficial championship. With Montreal having already completed their Western Canadian swing, they lead the standings with a 3-0-2 record and 11 points. The Calgary Mustangs sit in second place with 3 points from 2 matches, followed by the Edmonton Aviators (0-0-1) who are tied with Toronto (0-1-1) with 1 point each. The Whitecaps (0-2-0) have yet to earn a point in the competition.
BAXTER EARNS TEAM OF THE WEEK HONOURS
English midfielder, Darren Baxter, was named to the A-League Team of the Week for the 10th week of the season for his performance in Sunday’s 1-1 draw in Montreal. Baxter, in his first season with the Lynx, put Toronto in front after 60 minutes before former Lynx defender, Mauricio Vincello equalized nine minutes later. The former Chelsea reserve has provided the Lynx with some much needed offensive flair as well as tireless work in the center of the midfield. Baxter is now tied for second on the team with two goals and four points on the season.
TITUS RELEASED
After spending less than a week with the Lynx organization it has been mutually agreed that midfielder, Rick Titus, will be released from the Club. “We are disappointed that it didn’t work out better with Rick,” commented Lynx Head Coach, Duncan Wilde. “We felt that an experienced player with Rick’s ability would compliment what we have built so far this season. After reviewing his time with the Lynx, it is in the best interest of the team to continue with the nucleus that we have in place”. Titus’ place in Vancouver this weekend could be taken by veteran midfielder, Shawn Faria. Faria, who has been out of action since the season opener due to injury has been training pain free this week and will take a fitness test tomorrow with Lynx Medical Coordinator, Dr. Robert Gringmuth of Sports Centre to determine his availability for Friday’s match.
SUPER Y LEAGUE FINALS SET
With the Super Y-League season in full swing and the Toronto Lynx Junior U15, U16, U17 and U18/19 teams in fine form, the United Soccer Leagues have announced the 2004 Super Y-League North American Finals. The Under-19 boys and girls Finals will be held in Chicago, IL from August 5-8, 2004. The Under-13 through Under-17 boys and girls Finals will be held November 19-23, 2004 in Orlando, Florida.
"We've been able to secure excellent facilities for both Finals," said Matt Weibe, Director of the Super Y-League. "The Super Y-League Finals has become the major youth league championship in North America. The timing of the event and the quality of the teams attending will draw some great attention to the soccer community as well as many scouts at the National Team, professional and collegiate levels."
The two events will represent the top 146 teams from 11 age groups including the boys Under-13 through Under-19 and girls Under-14 through Under-19 age divisions. The Heartland Division, where the Toronto Lynx Juniors compete, has been allotted one spot at the finals in each of the U15, U16, U17 and U19 age groups. The U17 Junior Lynx have their eyes firmly on that prize as they currently sit in second place with a 5-0-0 record having scored 32 goals and allowed only 2.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
DAVID NUTT -- MEDIA RELATIONS, TORONTO LYNX
416-251-4625, extension 30
or
DUNCAN WILDE – DIRECTOR, TORONTO LYNX PREMIER SOCCER ACADEMY
905-469-8783
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