June 26, 2008 PDL West Michigan Edge vs Toronto Lynx (from Lynx media release)

TORONTO LYNX GAME REPORT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESENTED BY CAW - THE CANADIAN AUTO WORKERS UNION

Lynx Claim Yet Another Road Victory
Road warriors blank West Michigan 2-0 in Grand Rapids

Date: June 26, 2008
Kick Off Time: 7:00 PM EDT

Final Score: Toronto 2 (0) West Michigan 0 (0)

Match Summary:

The Toronto Lynx returned to their winning ways this evening, routing the West Michigan Edge 2-0 in Grand Rapids in PDL action. The win sweeps the season series between the two clubs, and ups the Lynx’ record a tidy 6-3-2 (20 points) on the season. Toronto increases their lead to four points over the Cleveland Internationals for second place in the Great Lakes Division, and sit with the second-best record in the entire Central Conference. West Michigan falls to 1-8-2 (5 points) on the year, mired in the Midwest Division basement.

The Lynx began the match in an unconventional 4-2-3-1 formation employed by coach Duncan Wilde to control the midfield and dictate the pace of the match in the oppressive 33 degree heat. The strategy worked to the maximum as Toronto patiently controlled the play throughout the first half and into the second, completely shutting down the West Michigan offense and allowing the Lynx to launch coordinated attacks on the Edge goal. Derek Rios roamed free in the middle of the field throughout the game, distributing the ball selflessly, setting up many chances for the Lynx.

The road warriors, who sport a stellar 4-2-1 record away from home on the season, were rewarded for their patience and hard work midway through the second half when Jean Tshimpaka broke through and notched his second goal of the year. The lanky forward beat the West Michigan keeper to a loose ball deep in the penalty area, cleanly won possession and slammed the ball across the face of the net from a steep angle neatly inside the far post for a 1-0 Lynx lead.

Ten minutes later, Lloyd Grist scored his first career goal to put the game away for the Lynx. The Welsh defender broke down the left side of the field on an overlap, and curled a stunning left-footer high into the far side of the goal for a 2-0 advantage for the visitors. The Lynx defense held strong for the remainder of the match, and final whistle blew, clinching the three points for Toronto. Nils Binstock had a quiet night in goal to garner his fourth clean sheet of 2008.

Prior to the PDL game, the Toronto Lynx Juniors U20 Men defeated the West Michigan Edge U20’s 2-1 in a Super-20 League match-up. The win gives the Lynx sole possession of first-place in the highly-competitive Midwest Division, with a sparkling 4-0-1 record on the year. The team is on the brink of locking up a Super-20 League Finals berth, where they will look to best last season’s semi-final finish.

The entire Toronto Lynx Juniors program travel to Fort Wayne this weekend to kick-off their 2008 Super-Y League season with a series of matches. The club will field teams at the U15, U16 and U17 level for boys and at U16 and U17 for girls this season. Academy Director has high hopes for the program in 2008, and expects a successful weekend from all teams.

The Lynx now return home to battle the Cleveland Internationals in the “Steeltown Showdown” at Brian Timmis Stadium in Hamilton on Tuesday July 1 at 4:00 PM. The game is the first of a home-and-home series between the two clubs next week as they battle for second place in the Great Lakes Division, with Cleveland hosting the Lynx on Saturday evening in the return match. Tuesday’s game will be preceded by a pair of Hamilton Spectator Cup all-star games (boys and girls). Tickets can be purchased by calling the Toronto Lynx ticketline at 416-251-4625 x 23 or at the stadium box office starting at 12:00 PM

Final Score: Toronto 2 (0) West Michigan 0 (0)

The Lynx’ next game is home to Cleveland on July 1 at 4:00 PM at Brian Timmis Stadium in Hamilton

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
ROB IRWIN, MEDIA RELATIONS
416-251-4625 ext. 23

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