For Immediate Release
Toronto Lynx Game Report
Presented by Carlsberg
Lynx Drop Home Opener
Date: May 15, 2005
Venue: Centennial Stadium, Toronto, Ontraio
Attendance: 3 553
Kick Off Time: 4:00 EST
Final Score: Toronto 0 Montreal 1
Match Summary:
After a lengthy six game road tour, the Toronto Lynx returned to a sold out Centennial Stadium for their first home game of the 2005 campaign hosting the 2004 Champions Montreal Impact. The Lynx' six games on the road ended in a record of 0-4-2, while Montreal entered this evenings match undefeated (2-0-2) through 4 games. Toronto Lynx Head Coach Hubert Busby Jr. was without Joe Mattacchione, Shawn Faria, Andres Arango through injury, while Jamaican international Winston Grifiths was serving a one match ban. 2004 Lynx MVP and leading goalscorer Ali Gerba came into tonight's encounter leading the Lynx with two goals. Former Lynx defender Mauricio Vincello, who scored two goals against the Lynx last season, was in tonight's Impact squad. Toronto had an all-time record of 9-17-3 against the Impact heading into tonights game. The last match between the two at Centennial ended 2-0 to Montreal in May of 2004. Much off the first half was rather uneventful, with not many scoring opportunities and solid defensive work by both teams. The best chance of the half fell to Montreal when striker Kevin Wilson had a breakaway in the 11th minute but could not beat Lynx goalkeeper Theo Zagar who produced a fine save with his foot. It was 0-0 after 45 minutes. Montreal took the lead early in the second half when Mauro Biello's powerful shot was punched away by Zagar straight into the path of Kevin Wilson who headed into an empty net. The Lynx came close to finding an equalizer when strriker Conrard Smith's shot in the 63rd minute from a sharp angle skipped along the Montreal goalmouth. Toronto applied much pressure in the last 15 minutes, but were not able to produce a goal. Lynx' Josue Mayard was shown yellow in the 88th minute, and again in the 89th, and was ejected from the game for two bookable offences. It was 1-0 to the visitors after the final whistle sounded. Montreal remain undefeated with a record of 3-0-2, while Toronto continue hunting for their first win of the season. The Lynx are next in action against the Puerto Rico Islanders on May 28th at Centennial Stadium for a 7:30 PM EST start.
Highlights:
1st min. Referee Dominic Rosetto begins play. Toronto, in white and black, attack to the left, while Montreal, in all blue, attack to the right.
9th min. Montreal earn a free kick. Patrick Leduc takes it but it is handled by Roberto and the Lynx regain possession.
10th min. After a scramble in the Montreal box, Lynx striker Ali Gerba picks up a loose ball and shoots, but Impact 'keeper Greg sutton is able to collect.
11th min. Montreal's Kevin Wilson has a breakaway but Lynx goalkeeper Theo Zagar makes a brilliant save with his foot.
14th min. Torornto's Niels Deker is shown a yellow card.
20th min. Most of the game is played in the middle third of the field.
28th min. Impact striker Mauro Biello shoots straight into the ground and his effort bounces right into the hands of Zagar.
29th min. Lynx defender Rumba Munthali's free kick from just past centre sails into the hands of Montreal 'keeper Greg Sutton.
30th min. Montreal's Kevin Wilson shoots low and hard, but Zagar is equal to it.
34th min. Lynx striker Ali Gerba is cautioned by referee Rosetto.
36th min. Montreal's Kevin Wilson is adjudged to be offside.
38th min. Toronto earn a free kick. Ali Gerba takes it but his strike goes straight at Sutton who holds on to the ball.
40th min. Montreal's Patrick Leduc shoots from outside the area, but his effort sails over the bar.
48th min. Lynx' striker moves past his marker and passes to Gerba, who's shot is stopped by Sutton.
50th min. Goal! Montreal take the lead. Mauro Biello cuts towards goal from the left and shoots. His shot has too much pace and Zagar must punch it away towards Wilson who is perefectly placed to head the ball into an empty net.
57th min. Montreal's Lars Lyssand shoots from far and watches his effort sail high and wide.
63th min. Toronto comes close to equalizing. Conrad Smith's shot from a tight angle in close beats Sutton but skips along the goal line and out of danger.
67th min. Montreal's Gabrieal Gervais is shown a yellow by referre Rosetto.
77th min. Toronto earn a free kick. Gerba takes it but Sutton is not forced into a save as it sails high and wide.
88th min. Toronto's Mayard is shown a yellow.
89th min. Mayard is shown a second yellow and the ensuing red. Toronto are down to 10 men.
Final Score: Toronto 0 Montreal 1
Lineups:
Toronto: Zagar, Munthali, Piette, Mayard, Titus, Dekker (Some 55), Diplacido, Dodds, Fraser (Simpson 76), Gerba, Smith
Montreal: Sutton, Gervais, Pizzolito (Cann 36), Lyssand, Vincello, Leduc, Roberto, Mert (Fukasawa 62), Wilson (Matondo 83), Biello, Sebrango
Cautions: Toronto; Dekker, Gerba, Mayard (2), Montreal: Gervais
Ejections: Toronto: Mayard
Shots: Toronto 7, Montreal 7
Saves: Toronto 2 , Montreal 4
Fouls: Toronto 22, Montreal 17
Scorers: Montreal: Wilson (50)
The Toronto Lynx next game is at home versus the Puerto Rico Islanders on May 28 at 7:30 PM
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
DAVID NUTT, MEDIA RELATIONS
416-251-4625 ext. 30F
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