Toronto Lynx Game Report
Presented by Carlsberg
Lynx Come Close in Atlanta
Early Strike Not Enough Against Silverbacks
Date: May 6, 2005
Venue: DeKalb Memorial Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
Kick Off Time: 6:30 EST
Final Score: Atlanta 3 Toronto 2
Match Summary:
The Toronto Lynx finished their six game road tour this evening with a loss in Atlanta, Georgia. Toronto continued to search for their first win of the season, while Atlanta looked to continue the fine form that had led them to a record of 2-1-1 and third position in the USL First Division. Atlanta came into tonight's match with USL First Division leading scorer Fabian Dawkins who had found the net 4 times in as many games. The Lynx and Silverbacks shared an all-time record of 3-3-2 between each other, with the last game in Atlanta ending in a goalless draw in August of 2004. Toronto Lynx Head Coach Hubert Busby Jr. opted to start Trinidad and Tobago international Richard Goddard in goal. The Lynx started well, with Jamie Dodds scoring his first goal of the season. Dodds, who had come on for an injured Andres Arango in the 4th minute, connected with Sean Fraser's pass in the 8th minute to give the Lynx an early lead. It was 1-1 eleven minutes later when Jeremie Piettte inadvertently redirected an Atlanta cross into Goddard's goal. It remained 1-1 as the first half whistle sounded. Atlanta started the second half well, and took the lead 6 minutes after the restart. Fabian Dawkins met Rios' through ball and rounded Goddard to make it 2-1 for the hosts. Rios was the provider again three minutes later, this time sending a ball back to Sergio Iniguez who blasted past Goddard from 12 yards out. Ali Gerba grabbed a late goal for the Lynx in injury time, sending in a low shot full of pace past Atlanta goalkeeper Christian Fegler. It was 3-2 to the home side as the final whistle blew. Fabian Dawkins continues to dominate USL First Division scoring with 5 goals in 5 matches, making him league top scorer and point leader. Teammate Rodrigo Rios' two assists moved him further up the the USL First Division Top 20 points standings. Ali Gerba's strike moved him into second place in Lynx all-time scoring with 23 goals, second only to Nikola Vignjevic who scored 28 while with the Lynx. Tonight's result left Atlanta in first place in the USL First Division with 10 points, while the Lynx remain in eighth with 2 points. The Lynx return to Centennial Stadium for their 2005 home opener on Sunday May 15th against defending champions Montreal Impact for a 4:00 PM EST kickoff.
Final Score: Atlanta 3 Toronto 2
Lineups:
Toronto: Goddard, Arango (Dodds 4), Munthali, Mayard, Hart, Diplacido, Deker, Fraser, Piette (El Tabe 66), Grifiths, Gerba
Atlanta: Fegler, Hayes, McManus, Lauley, Assful, Stone (Chevalier 75), Stella-Topre, Inginuez, Shacon (Ilarionov 86), Dawkins, Rios (Murriagiuy 74)
Cautions: Toronto: Mayard, El Tabe, Dekker
Ejections: None
Shots: Atlanta 7, Toronto 10
Saves: Atlanta 7, Toronto 3
Fouls: Atlanta 9, Toronto 10
Scorers: Atlanta: Piette (Own Goal) 19, Dawkins (Rios) 51, Iniguez (Rios) 54 Toronto: Dodds (Fraser) 8, Gerba (unassisted) 90
Lynx next game and 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
416-251-4625 ext. 30
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