For Immediate Release
Toronto Lynx Game Report
Lynx Undone by Romario
Date: May 26, 2006
Venue: Centennial Park Stadium, Toronto, Ontario
Attendance: 2 832
Kick Off Time: 11:00 AM EST
Final Score: Toronto 0 Miami 1
Match Summary:
The Toronto Lynx dropped a 1-0 result at home to Miami FC this afternoon at Centennial Park Stadium. 2 832 fans braved the rain for the Lynx’ annual School Day and watched former Brazilian World Cup Champion Romario score and lead Miami to victory.
Miami came close to taking an early lead in the 9th minute. John Pulido picked up a loose ball just outside the area and fired a low drive that was well saved by Lynx ‘keeper Richard Goddard. Goddard was impressive again off the ensuing corner when he acrobatically saved Sean Fraser’s effort and denied Romario’s attempt to bury the rebound.
Former Brazilian World Cup Champion Romario came close in the 14th minute when Sean Fraser sent in a low cross. Romario hit the pass first time but sent his effort wide and high of Goddard’s goal.
Miami took the lead in the 20th minute. Romario picked up a long ball and controlled, taking a couple of steps before firing a precise shot from just inside the area into the top right of Goddard’s goal.
Toronto came close to an equaliser in the 25th minute. Marko Bedenikovic picked up Gordon Chin’s pass to the left of Miami’s goal. His in swinging shot beat Miami goalkeeper Chris Doyle but not the post, leaving the score in Miami’s favour. Toronto had various chances in a flurry of corners that ensued but could not find the back of the net.
Toronto came close again in the 39th minute. Marko Bedenikovic fed a pass into an advancing Osni Neto who fired first time, only to see his effort sail just over Doyle’s goal.
Romario came close to adding another 3 minutes from the half. The play developed in similar fashion to Romario’s opener, only this time his shot sailed over Goddard’s goal. The score remained 1-0 at the half.
Toronto attacked right from the re-start. Osni Neto’s solo run down the left side produced a thunderous strike that eluded Doyle but failed to hit the target.
Heavy rainfall, which began at the break, began to take its toll on the match as both sides struggled with the slippery pitch.
Toronto came close to an equaliser in the 73rd minute when Brazilian Helinho, who had just come on for fellow countryman Neto, had a breakaway after breaking free of his marker. Doyle rushed off his line and managed a fine save off of Helinho’s shot.
Toronto continued to press ahead and came agonizingly close to levelling the score line 4 minutes later. Darren Baxter sent in a cross that Dave Diplacido headed expertly towards goal, but his effort skipped a couple of centimetres off of the mark.
Toronto’s continued pressure could not breach Miami’s back line or goalkeeper and it was Romario’s first half strike that was the difference after 90 minutes. Toronto’s persistent pressure produced 18 shots and forced Miami goalkeeper Chris Doyle to make 3 stops for his shutout. Toronto goalkeeper Richard Goddard was impressive in goal, making 6 stops through 90 minutes of play.
Toronto holds a record of 0-6-0 as a result of today’s match and remains in 12th place of the USL Fist Division. Toronto is next in action when they take on the Virginia Beach Mariners at Centennial Park Stadium on June 4th at 6:00 PM.
Final Score: Toronto 0 Miami 1
Lineups:
Toronto: Goddard, Titus, Mattachione (Dekker 78), Williams, Arango, Bedenikovic (Sheppard 61), Dodds, Chin (Baxter 45), Aristedemo, Neto (Helinho 71), Palleschi (Diplacido 39)
Miami: Doyle, Handy, Erush, Rodrigues, Pulido, Adeyami, Gil-Alzante, Ramirez, Zinho, Fraser (Walsh 71), Romario
Cautions: Toronto: Chin 28, Titus 45, Baxter 53, Helinho 80
Ejections: None
Shots: Toronto 18, Miami 14
Saves: Toronto 6, Miami 3
Fouls: Toronto 13, Miami 11
Scorers: Miami: Romario (unassisted) 19
The Toronto Lynx’ next game is at home against the Virginia Beach Mariners on Sunday June 4th at 6:00 PM.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
ROB IRWIN, MEDIA RELATIONS
416-251-4625 ext. 23
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