FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TORONTO LYNX GAME REPORT
presented by Heineken
LYNX TOP 'DOGS IN SYRACUSE
GERBA NETS SECOND HALF GAME WINNER
Date: Friday, July 2, 2004
Venue: P & C Stadium, Syracuse, NY
Attendance: 7,945
Kick off Time: 8:00pm
Final Score: Toronto 1
Syracuse 0
Match Summary: In their biggest match
of the season to date, the Toronto Lynx traveled to Syracuse tonight and
turned in a superb effort in a 1-0 victory over the Salty Dogs. With
sixth place in the Eastern Conference on the line and playing on the
unfamiliar Astroturf at P&C Stadium, the Lynx battled hard to
earn 3 points and move past the Salty Dogs in the standings.
Syracuse seemed poised to claim the lead in the first half when a Salty Dogs'
striker was left all alone in front of goal, but Lynx 'keeper, Bryheem
Hancock, was up to the challenge diving to full extension to push the ball wide
of the goal. Ali Gerba gave the Lynx the win with a highlight reel left footed
blast into the top corner in the 66th minute after being denied a goal by the
post earlier in the match. The goal was Gerba's 8th of the season moving him
into a tie for second in the A-League in goals. The Lynx defense were forced
to dig for the final 15 minutes when defender, Josue Mayard, was shown a red
card in the 76th minute, but the 'Dogs were unable to find the equalizer.
Midfielder, Shawn Faria, was the key to the match for the Lynx. Finally at
full fitness, Faria provided great leadership and held the midfield allowing
the Lynx offensive players room to attack. "This is what we have been
waiting for all season from Shawn," commented Lynx Head Coach, Duncan
Wilde. "His play was the difference in the game. It was a complete team
effort tonight to earn the 3 points and we are very pleased with the
result." Toronto improved their record to 5-8-1 with 16 points, moving
past the Salty Dogs, who fall to 4-6-3 with 15 points. The Lynx are back
in action this Thursday, July 8th for their Taste of Athens Night when they
host the defending A-League Champion Charleston Battery at Centennial Park
Stadium with a 7:30pm kickoff.
Final Score: Toronto 1 Syracuse 0
Lineups:
Toronto: Hancock, Blois, Hughes, Serioux,
Mayard, Faria, Mattacchione, Baxter (DiPlacido 66), Dodds, Nusum (Munthali
78), Gerba (Gbeke 90)
Syracuse: Nagy, Rivas, Sanfilippo
(O'Neil 56), Perry (Suarez 78), Lyssand, Dore, Schweitzer (Lara 65), Woan
(Almeida 60), Maher, Mack, Millwood (Low 70)
Cautions: Tor: Baxter, Dodds,
Serioux Syr: Schweitzer
Ejections: Tor: Mayard
Shots: Tor: 8 Syr: 10
Saves: Tor: 2 Syr: 3
Fouls: Tor: 18 Syr: 15
Scorers: Gerba (unassisted) 66th
minute
The Lynx next home match is Thursday, July 8th at
7:30pm versus the Charleston Battery
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
DAVID NUTT -- MEDIA RELATIONS, TORONTO LYNX