Wed, March 23, 2005
Upbeat Lynx are hopeful
NEW COACH EXPECTS BETTER YEAR
By ALEX CARTER, SPECIAL TO THE TORONTO SUN
THE FACES might be unknown, but one familiar face hopes to rejuvenate the Toronto Lynx this season. With fewer than 10 returning players and a new coach, the Lynx is making changes in hopes of improving from last season's 10-16-2 record.
First-year coach and former Lynx 'keeper Hubert Busby Jr. is focusing on upgrading the team's defence by concentrating on ball possession, conditioning and utilizing team speed.
"There was no problem with this team last year scoring goals," Busby said. "I think the problem was they allowed too many goals."
Busby has spent the past few weeks evaluating his players as he conducts training camp at The Docks Soccer World.
With about 26 players already in camp, and more expected to arrive throughout the week, Busby hopes to solidify his roster by the end of the week. Busby said he can start shaping the team once cuts are made.
"Systems are based on the players you have, so I'm going to bring in players that help that system," Busby said.
Busby has worked hard since his appointment in January by recruiting players he feels will be a good fit.
Midfielder Rick Titus will be rejoining the team after playing only one game for the club last season. Last year's leading scorer, Ali Gerba, will be arriving from Montreal this week. And Busby is hopeful he can land 'keeper Theo Zagar from the Rochester Raging Rhinos.
One of the players Busby is counting on to provide leadership and continuity is returning defender/midfielder Joe Mattacchione. The 29 year old, who has been with the club since 1999, is pleased with the team's direction and is excited about the new players Busby has brought to the fold.
"A lot of guys who gave us trouble in the league are now on our team," Mattacchione said.
Due to what Busby termed Toronto's "geographic climate," the Lynx will once again start the season on the road with a six-game West Coast swing. Slow starts have hurt the Lynx, but the team is hoping for a strong beginning to 2005.
"You can find reasons or excuses not to succeed," said Busby when asked about being on the road for so long. "But I'm not looking for excuses and I'm not allowing the players to use that as an excuse."
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