For Immediate Release
Toronto Lynx Game Report
Presented by Carlsberg
Lynx Lose Away to Richmond
Date: April 30, 2005
Venue: University of Richmond Stadium, Richmond, Virginia
Attendance: 2 452
Kick Off Time: 7:00 EST
Final Score: Richmond 2 Toronto 1
Match Summary:
The Toronto Lynx played their third of six consecutive away games this evening against the Richmond Kickers at the University of Richmond Stadium in Richmond Virginia. The Lynx brought a record of 0-1-1 to tonight's game. Richmond entered tonight's match with a record of 2-1-0, with both victories coming at home. The Lynx had traditionally not had much success against the Kickers leading into tonight's match, with a franchise record of 3-8-2 against them. 2004 produced three losses against Richmond, with last seasons meeting in Richmond ending 3-2 in the home team's favour. Lynx Head Coach Hubert Busby Jr.opted to start defender Rumba Munthali who was named to the USL First Division Team of the Week for his stellar performance in the Lynx' last two matches. Toronto started well and took the lead through 2004 Lynx Leading Scorer and MVP Ali Gerba. After splitting the Richmond defense, Gerba latched onto through ball and chipped it over Richmond goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale. Gerba's first goal of the season made it 1-0 to the visitors. Lynx euphoria quickly evaporated as a resolute display from Richmond produced an immediate equalizer. Striker Joey Worthen connected with Kevin Jeffrey's pass to cancel Gerba's opener a mere minute later. 1-1 as the first-half whistle blew despite 6 shots from the Lynx which kept Pascale busy with 3 saves. Richmond quickly took the lead after the restart through forward Matthew Delicate's fourth goal of the season in the 48th minute. The 62nd minute witnessed the introduction of new Lynx acquisition and Jamaican international Winston Grifiths, on loan from Jamaican side Arnett Gardens. Looking to equalizing late in the game, Lynx Head Coach Busby Jr. brought on Cameroonian striker Huffman El Tabe in the 85th minute. The change resulted in El Tabe's debut in Lynx colours. Further goals were not produced and it was 2-1 to Richmond as the final whistle blew. Tonight's loss dropped the Lynx to last place in the USL first division, and kept Richmond in first. Lynxsoccer.com spoke to Toronto Lynx Head Coach Hubert Busby Jr. in Richmond. "We are still going through some growing pains. A good response from Richmond and some mental lapses resulted in tonight's score. We are learning from our mistakes, and gelling well together." Looking ahead to Sunday's match against Virginia Beach, Busby Jr. said; "We are concentrating on maximum points over the next three games. If we pick up maximum points, we'll be in good position." The Lynx will have an opportunity to gain points when they play the the 4th place Virginia Beach Mariners on Sunday May 1st at 6:00 PM in Virginia Beach.
Final Score: Richmond 2 Toronto 1
Lineups:
Toronto: Zagar, Piette, Arango, Mayard, Munthali (Dodds 78), Titus, Dekker (Grifiths 62), Hart (Huffman 85), Fraser, Gerba, Smith (Simpson 56)
Richmond: Pascale, Knight, Bobo, Fox, Luzak, Brown, Williams, Carrieri (Burke 80), Jeffrey (Ssejjemba 43), Worthen (Gorres 45), Delicate (Cephas 87)
Cautions: Toronto: Munthali, Dekker
Ejections: None
Shots: Richmond 10, Toronto 11
Saves: Richmond 4, Toronto 1
Fouls: Richmond 9, Toronto 10
Scorers: Richmond: Worthen (Jeffrey) 28, Delicate (Brown) 48, Toronto: Gerba 27 (unassisted)
The Toronto Lynx next game is in Virginia Beach against the Mariners on May 1, 2005.
Lynx home opener is on May 15th against the Montreal Impact at Centennial Park Stadium at 4:00 PM.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
DAVID NUTT, MEDIA RELATIONS
416-251-4626 EXT. 30
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