TORONTO LYNX MEDIA
RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
LYNX INK NATIONAL
TEAM DEFENDER!
Thursday, March 31, 2005 (TORONTO, ON) - The
Toronto Lynx solidified their defense today with the signing of former
Canadian National Team defender, Carl Fletcher. After
conceding 50 goals in 2004, highest in the Eastern
Conference, new Lynx head coach, Hubert Busby Jr. has been working
diligently to shore up the defense. The addition of Fletcher, who has
represented Canada 40 times over his illustrious career, addresses several
needs for the Lynx. The Toronto resident will be asked to mentor the young
Lynx defenders as well as provide leadership and experience on the field.
Fletcher, 34, has extensive experience in the USL First Division as well as
on the international scene, playing in over 100 matches since 1997 with the
Atlanta Silverbacks, Rochester Raging Rhinos, Montreal Impact and Hampton
Roads Mariners (now Virginia Beach).
"Carl is a great addition to this year's squad," explains
Busby. "With the USL First Division being the most competitive in years, his
experience will be invaluable."
After playing in 17 matches with Atlanta and making his last
international appearance in a friendly versus Germany in 2003, Fletcher took
a break from playing to pursue a television career as an analyst for TSN
during the 2004 European Cup. Fletcher's long international career includes
appearances for the Canadian National Team at all levels, U-17, U-20,
Olympic Team and full National Team.
PUBLIC RELATIONS AWARD WINNER RE-SIGNS WITH LYNX
Lynx announced today the re-signing of defender/midfielder,
Rumba Munthali. Munthali enters his second season in a Lynx
uniform after recording one assist in 23 games in 2004. The native of
Lusaka, Zambia and Brampton resident is a key to the highly successful
Toronto Lynx School Program, delivering clinics to students at schools
across the GTA. For his efforts in the community, Munthali was honoured as
the 2004 Toronto Lynx Public Relations Award winner.
"Rumba provides tremendous energy to the team and is a very
versatile player. He is well respected not only by his peers but in
the community as well. He is truly a team player," says Busby.
After a standout youth soccer career with the Etobicoke Youth
Soccer Club, Malvern Soccer Club and Oakville Soccer Club, the Martingrove
Collegiate Institute graduate went on to earn All-America honours and a
degree in history at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Munthali began
his professional career with the Richmond Kickers of the USL First Division,
helping them to capture the regular season title in 2001 and reach
the championship game in 2002.
-30-
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
DAVE NUTT -- MEDIA & PUBLIC RELATIONS, TORONTO LYNX SOCCER CLUB
416-251-4625 ext. 25