For Immediate Release

Toronto Lynx Game Report
Presented by Carlsberg

Lynx Tie Whitecaps in Canadian Derby
All-Canadian Affair Ends 0-0
 

Date: Sunday, April 24, 2005

Venue: Swangard Stadium, Burnaby, BC

Attendance: 5,722

Kick Off Time: 10:00 PM EST

Final Score: Vancouver 0    Toronto 0

Match Summary:

The Toronto Lynx continued their Western tour this evening, facing Canadian rivals the Vancouver Whtiecaps in front of a sold-out crowd at Swangard Stadium.  Coming off a disappointing loss to Portland the night before, coach Hubert Busby Jr.'s team hoped to pick up vital points away from home against the 2004 Western conference runners-up.  Historically, the Lynx and Whitecaps have a maintained a perfect equilibrium , with a record of 3-3-1 between the two clubs.  History seemed to repeat itself as both teams failed to find the back of the net after 90 minutes.  The last meeting between both clubs at Swangard went Vancouver's way, ending 3-1 in the home team's favour back in June of 2004.  2004 Lynx MVP and leading goal scorer Ali Gerba almost opened his 2005 account after 18 minutes only to see his effort sail wide of Whitecaps 'keeper Mike Franks' goal.  Both Lynx keeper Theo Zagar, and his counterpart Mike Franks, made one save each through 90 minutes, and both held on for their first shutouts of the season.  Zagar's shutout this evening brought his total to 24 in Lynx colours.  This evenings match was highlighted by defensive undertones, with the Lynx recording 5 shots to the Whitecaps' 6.  Toronto Lynx coach Busby Jr. made two changes in tonight's squad, starting former Trinidad and Tobago international Rick Titus, as well as his countryman and current international Conrad Smith.  Dutchman Niels Dekker made his Lynx debut coming on for Jeremie Piette in the 57th minute.  Busby Jr. was full of praise for his team's character and hard work.  "I'm very proud of my team.  They showed great character by bouncing back from a tough loss on a poor surface.  Everyone worked their socks off." Busby Jr. told lynxsoccer.com from Vancouver.  Looking ahead to Fridays game at Richmond, coach Busby Jr. said; "This road trip has brought us closer together, but there is still work to be done."  Tonight's result leaves the Lynx in sixth place in the USL First Division after
two games.  The Lynx are back in action April 30th at 7:00 PM away to an upstart Richmond Kickers side who currently rest in first place. 

Lineups:

Toronto: Zagar, Piette (Dekker 57), Arango, Munthali, Mayard, Mattachione (Dodds 45), Titus, Fraser, Hart, Gerba, Smith (Diplacido 64)

Vancouver: Franks, Kindel (Said Ali 87), de Silva, Dasovic, Lyall, Cucca (Morris 60), Nash, Klein, Valente, Corazzin (Jordan), Gjertsen (Sagare 73)

Cautions: TOR - Gerba 58, Diplacido 86

Ejections: None

Shots: TOR: 6   VAN:6

Saves: TOR:1   VAN:1

Fouls: TOR:14   VAN:15

Scorers: None
 

The Lynx next game is away against Richmond on April 30th at 7:00 PM.

Toronto Lynx season opener is on May 15th at 4:00 PM against the Montreal Impact.


FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
DAVID NUTT, MEDIA RELATIONS
416-251-4626 EXT. 30.