TORONTO LYNX MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LYNX RE-SIGN OUTSTANDING ROOKIE!
Thursday, March 17, 2005 (TORONTO, ON) - With pre-season training in full swing, the Toronto Lynx have re-signed a key player for the 2005 season as well as the future of the organization. After enjoying a standout rookie campaign with the Lynx in 2004, midfielder, Jamie Dodds has agreed to return to the Lynx for the 2005 season. The young Canadian sprang onto the professional soccer scene last season, earning a staring role and finishing fifth on the roster in scoring with 2 goals and 2 assists in 25 games. The scrappy Dodds also showed tremendous durability finishing forth on the team in minutes played.
"Jamie had a breakout rookie season and I'm expecting him to improve on last year's display," said new Lynx head coach, Hubert Busby Jr.
Before making his professional debut with the Lynx last season, Dodds enjoyed a standout collegiate career at Robert Morris University where he earned 1st Team All-Northeast Conference honours from 2001-2003. Dodds is the product of Sir Allan McNab Secondary School and the Mount Hamilton Soccer Club. He has had a very busy off-season attending Teacher's College at D'Youville College in Buffalo.
Dodds and his teammates kickoff the 2005 season in Portland on Saturday, April 23rd before opening at home on Sunday, May 15th at 4pm versus the defending champion Montreal Impact. Tickets are available by calling 416-251-4625 ext. 31 or www.lynxsoccer.com.
LADY LYNX SIGN ANOTHER NATIONAL TEAM STAR
The Lady Lynx have continued to bolster their roster for their inaugural 2005 season with the addition of Canadian National Team defender, Melanie Booth. Booth, who also competes for the University of Florida, has earned 15 caps with the Women's National Team since her debut in March, 2002 against Scotland. The 20-year old has also enjoyed great success at the U-20 level, earning 22 camps and scoring 3 goals. She appeared in all six games at the 2001 FIFA U-19 Women's World Cup, earning a silver medal and was also a member of the 2002 Canadian Gold Cup team, appearing in 4 matches as a substitute.
"Melanie brings a wealth of experience & competitiveness to our roster as a player that has played at the highest level," explained Lady Lynx head coach, Brett Mosen. "I see Melanie playing a major role with the Lady Lynx this season."
Booth has spent the past two W-League seasons with the former Toronto Inferno where she recorded 7 points in just 10 games played. The Burlington native has also made an impact at the University of Florida where she has started every game during her 2-year career. She was named to the All-Southeast Conference second team following each of her seasons and selected to the Soccer America All-Freshman Team in 2003. Booth attended Alsershot H.S. in Burlington and competed with the Burlington Youth Soccer Club.
FOUR LYNX ALUMNI SELECTED FOR CANADIAN NATIONAL TEAM
Four former Toronto Lynx players have been selected by Canadian Men's National Team head coach, Frank Yallop, for the friendly against Portugal on Saturday, March 26th in Porto. Defender, Marco Reda of Aalborg of the Danish First Division, was a staple of the Lynx defense from 1998-2002 and remains in the Lynx top 10 all-time in games played. Midfielder/defender, Paul Stalteri of Werder Bremen of the German Bundesliga and midfielder/forward, Dwayne de Rosario of the San Jose Earthquakes of MLS were strike partners during the Lynx inaugural season in 1997. Finally, Atiba Hutchinson, of Helsingborg in the Swedish Premier League, who began his pro career with the Lynx in 2002 joins the other alumni.
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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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