TORONTO LYNX MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LADY LYNX VICTORIOUS IN FIRST EXHIBITION MATCH!
Wednesday, May 11, 2005 [TORONTO, ON] - The Toronto Lady Lynx earned a 2-1 victory over the visiting London Gryphons of the W-League's Midwest Division in their first ever exhibition match last Saturday at Oakville's Bronte Athletic Field. The approximately 500 fans in attendance were thrilled with the end-to-end action and performance of both teams. The Lady Lynx looked very strong in the first half with goals by Natalie Martineau and Deana Everrett before the break. Several more great chances fell the Lady Lynx' way, however as the Gryphon's goalkeeper Anne Decker showed outstanding saves. In the second half, the Gryphons narrowed the gap on a goal from Keri Zwikker, the most dangerous London attacker of the day, but were unable to get any closer.
Although both teams were short of their full rosters, the match provided an opportunity for Lady Lynx Head Coach, Brett Mosen, to see his team in game action before the season opener this Sunday, May 15 at Centennial Park Stadium versus the Vermont Lady Voltage at 1pm.
LADY LYNX RANKED AMONG BEST U.S. RECRUITS
The quality of the young talent on the Lady Lynx roster was again affirmed this week with the release of the top 25 international U.S. college recruits this year by Soccer Buzz online women's soccer magazine (www.soccerbuzz.com). Three Lady Lynx players were named to the top 25 led by midfielder, Amanda Cicchini of Oakville, who ranked 3rd (only the top 5 recuits were ranked). Cicchini, a student at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Oakville, has become a prominent figure on the Canadian National Team scene, earning her first senior cap in last month's tour of Europe after playing 13 times at the U19/20 level including playing every match U19 World Championships in Thailand in 2004. Enjoying success throughout her youth soccer career, Cicchini helped the Dixie Blaze to the 2004 Club National Championship, Ontario Cup Championship and Ontario Youth Soccer League title. Cicchini was joined in the top 25 rankings by Dixie Blaze teammates, Deana Everrett of Oakville and Robin Rushton of Scarborough. All three players have committed to attend West Virginia University this fall which has propelled West Virginia to rank as the 6th best recruiting class in the United States. This is the first time that West Virginia has cracked the top 10.
HOME OPENER THIS WEEKEND
Soccer fans in the GTA will finally have the opportunity to witness the highest level of soccer in Canada live this Sunday, May 15th at Centennial Park Stadium when the Toronto Lady Lynx play their first ever W-League match versus the Vermont Lady Voltage at 1pm and the Toronto Lynx open their 2005 home season against the defending USL First Division Champion, Montreal Impact, in the second half of this historic double header at 4pm.
The Lady Lynx coaching staff, led by Head Coach, Brett Mosen, are hard at work with preparations this week as players continue to arrive from universities. Newly capped, Canadian International midfielder, Amanda Cicchini leads a group of talented players including Canadian U20 team members: Deana Everrett, Robin Rushton and Natalie Martineau and internationals: Julia Ralph of Scotland and Yuiko Konno of Japan.
The Lynx will welcome the start to their home season after battling to an 0-4-2 record in three difficult back-to-back road trips. New Lynx Head Coach, Hubert Busby Jr. and his roster will play their next 3 matches at Centennial Park Stadium. Star Canadian striker, Ali Gerba has maintained his outstanding form from 2004 and leads the team with 2 goals. New Lynx signing, Sean Fraser, will be sure to catch the attention of Lynx fans as he is one of the fastest players in the USL and has a tremendous future in front of him. Fans will have to wait for their first glimpse of Jamaican international newcomer, Winston Griffiths as he will miss the match with a 1 game suspension. Also missing from the lineup will be captain Joe Mattacchione, veteran midfielder, Shawn Faria and defender, Andres Arango due to injuries.
Tickets are still available for the double-header. Soccer fans will have a special offer of two games for the price of one. For ticket information call 416-251-4625 ext. 31 or visit www.lynxsoccer.com.
LYNX TO TAKE ON THUNDERBAY CHILL
With a two week layoff from league play between Sunday's opener and the next Lynx match, Saturday, May 28th versus Puerto Rico at 7:30pm at Centennial Park, the Lynx will travel to Thunder Bay to take on the Thunder Bay Chill of the PDL on Thursday, May 26th at Chaples Park. Kickoff is set for 7:30pm. The match will be the second meeting between the two clubs. In 2003, the Lynx earned a 1-1 draw against the Thunder Bay Chill before a sold out crowd. For additional information on the match, please visit www.thunderbaychill.com or call 807-346-6254.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
DAVE NUTT -- MEDIA & PUBLIC RELATIONS, TORONTO LYNX SOCCER CLUB
416-251-4625 ext. 25
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