FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 TORONTO LYNX GAME REPORT

 presented by Heineken

 Lynx Drop Crucial Match To Division Rivals

Silverbacks extend winning streak to 6 games

Date:                Sunday, June 13, 2004 

Venue:             Centennial Park Stadium, Etobicoke,Ontario       

Attendance:      1,627    

Kick off Time:    6:00 PM

Final Score:              Atlanta    1      Toronto     0

Match Summary: 

In the midst of their longest winning streak of the season the Lynx took on their Eastern Division rivals from Atlanta in front of 1,627 enthusiastic fans on Emergency Services Night at Centennial Park Stadium. Entering tonight's match the Silverbacks had won 5 straight and were looking to put a stranglehold on the fourth and final playoff spot in the division but it was the Lynx that controlled the tempo and the play in the opening half outshooting the Silverbacks 8-5. In the 13th minute Jamie Dodds sent a cross to Edgar Bartolomeu inside the penalty box but his point-blank shot was handled easily by Atlanta 'keeper Joe Barton. Toronto's best chance of the half came in the 20th minute courtesy Joe Mattachione who launched a right foot rocket from just inside the box that Barton stopped nicely, scoreless at the half.

Having played 3 matches in a week both teams seemed sluggish early in the 2nd half with fatigue a definate factor, nevertheless the Lynx continued to dominate the chances and almost opened the scoring in the 47th minute. Ali Gerba's free kick from the top of the penalty area was bent just under the crossbar but Joe Barton managed to get enough of a glove on it to deflect it up and over the goal. Gerba continued to put on a clinic when he danced around one defender and eluded another before his shot was partially blocked and hit the side of the net. Just when things seemed destined for overtime the Silverbacks took advantage of a golden opportunity in the 86th minute. Captain Alan Woods chipped a splendid ball to John Ball inside the box, his initial shot was stopped by the diving outstretched arm of Lynx 'keeper Richard Goddard, unfortunately Ball never gave up on the play and slid the rebound shortside on Goddard for the games only goal. The victory not only extends Atlanta's winning streak to 6 games but it improves their record to 7-3-1, 9 points ahead of Toronto for the fourth and final playoff spot in the east. The Lynx drop to 4-7-0 and now take their act on the road of 3 games before returning home on July 8th to face the Charleston Battery.

Highlights:

1st Half

10th Min: Ali Gerba from the right side of the penalty box sent a beautiful cross but no one was there to receive it

13th Min: Jamie Dodds with a cross to Edgar Bartolemeu inside the box but his shot was handled nicely by Joe Barton

20th Min: Joe Mattachione launched a fine ball from point blank range but once again Keeper Joe Barton was able to corral it

32nd Min: John Ball delivered a cross to Alan Woods but his header went just wide of the left corner

41st Min: Off a free kick from the right side of the box Darren Baxter bent a cross to Ali Gerba but his header went just over the crossbar

2nd Half

47th Min: Ali Gerba's free kick from the top of the box was sent directly under the crossbar but Joe Barton got enough of a glove on it to deflect it over the goal

63rd Min: Gerba danced around a defender, embarrassed another before his shot was partially blocked and hit the side of the net

86th Minute: Captain Alan Woods chipped a splendid ball to John Ball inside the box but his shot was initially stopped by the diving outstretched arm of Keeper Richard Goddard, unfortunately for Toronto Ball followed the play and slid the rebound shortside for the only goal of the match, 1-0 Atlanta.  

Final Score:    Atlanta     1      Toronto    0

Lineups:

Atlanta: Barton, DeGand, DeLima (Ilarionov 66th min) Woods, Barton(Josh)(Iotov 58th min), Broder, Afful, Fitzpatrick, Ball, Brooks (Thompson 89th min), Cozier (Quiroz 90th min)

Toronto:  Goddard, Steele, Mattacchione, Munthali, Hughes, Baxter, Bartolomeu (Prostran 79th min) DiPlacido, Dodds, Gerba, Gbeke (Pavic 56th min)

Cautions: Atl: Josh Barton (26th min), Iotov (70th min)   Tor: Steele (1st min)

Ejections: None

Shots:   ATL:  12    Tor:    18

Saves:  ATL:   5    Tor:    3

Fouls:   ATL:   12    Tor:  18  

Offsides:  ATL:    2    Tor:   4

Corners:  ATL:   6   Tor:   3

Scorers: Atl: Ball (86th minute)     Tor:  

The Lynx next home game is Thursday, July 8th at 7:30 pm versus the Charleston Battery.

 FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

DAVID NUTT, MEDIA RELATIONS

 416-251-4625 ext. 30h