TORONTO LYNX MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LYNX INK NATIONAL TEAM DEFENDER!
Thursday, March 31, 2005 (TORONTO, ON) - The Toronto Lynx solidified their defense today with the signing of former Canadian National Team defender, Carl Fletcher. After conceding 50 goals in 2004, highest in the Eastern Conference, new Lynx head coach, Hubert Busby Jr. has been working diligently to shore up the defense. The addition of Fletcher, who has represented Canada 40 times over his illustrious career, addresses several needs for the Lynx. The Toronto resident will be asked to mentor the young Lynx defenders as well as provide leadership and experience on the field. Fletcher, 34, has extensive experience in the USL First Division as well as on the international scene, playing in over 100 matches since 1997 with the Atlanta Silverbacks, Rochester Raging Rhinos, Montreal Impact and Hampton Roads Mariners (now Virginia Beach).
"Carl is a great addition to this year's squad," explains Busby. "With the USL First Division being the most competitive in years, his experience will be invaluable."
After playing in 17 matches with Atlanta and making his last international appearance in a friendly versus Germany in 2003, Fletcher took a break from playing to pursue a television career as an analyst for TSN during the 2004 European Cup. Fletcher's long international career includes appearances for the Canadian National Team at all levels, U-17, U-20, Olympic Team and full National Team.
PUBLIC RELATIONS AWARD WINNER RE-SIGNS WITH LYNX
Lynx announced today the re-signing of defender/midfielder, Rumba Munthali. Munthali enters his second season in a Lynx uniform after recording one assist in 23 games in 2004. The native of Lusaka, Zambia and Brampton resident is a key to the highly successful Toronto Lynx School Program, delivering clinics to students at schools across the GTA. For his efforts in the community, Munthali was honoured as the 2004 Toronto Lynx Public Relations Award winner.
"Rumba provides tremendous energy to the team and is a very versatile player. He is well respected not only by his peers but in the community as well. He is truly a team player," says Busby.
After a standout youth soccer career with the Etobicoke Youth Soccer Club, Malvern Soccer Club and Oakville Soccer Club, the Martingrove Collegiate Institute graduate went on to earn All-America honours and a degree in history at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Munthali began his professional career with the Richmond Kickers of the USL First Division, helping them to capture the regular season title in 2001 and reach the championship game in 2002.
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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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