Date: April 30, 2005
Venue: University of
Richmond Stadium, Richmond, Virginia
Attendance: 2 452
Kick Off Time: 7:00 EST
Final Score: Richmond
2 Toronto 1
Match Summary:
The Toronto Lynx played their third of
six consecutive away games this evening against the Richmond Kickers
at the University of Richmond Stadium in Richmond Virginia. The
Lynx brought a record of 0-1-1 to tonight's game. Richmond
entered tonight's match with a record of 2-1-0, with both victories
coming at home. The Lynx had traditionally not had much success
against the Kickers leading into tonight's match, with a
franchise record of 3-8-2 against them. 2004 produced three losses
against Richmond, with last seasons meeting in Richmond ending 3-2
in the home team's favour. Lynx Head Coach Hubert Busby Jr.opted to
start defender Rumba Munthali who was named to the USL First
Division Team of the Week for his stellar performance in the Lynx'
last two matches. Toronto started well and took the lead through
2004 Lynx Leading Scorer and MVP Ali Gerba. Afte r splitting the
Richmond defense, Gerba latched onto through ball and chipped it
over Richmond goalkeeper Ronnie Pascale. Gerba's first goal of the
season made it 1-0 to the visitors. Lynx euphoria quickly
evaporated as a resolute display from Richmond produced an immediate
equalizer. Striker Joey Worthen connected with Kevin Jeffrey's pass
to cancel Gerba's opener a mere minute later. 1-1 as the first-half
whistle blew despite 6 shots from the Lynx which kept Pascale busy
with 3 saves. Richmond quickly took the lead after the restart
through forward Matthew Delicate's fourth goal of the season in the
48th minute. The 62nd minute witnessed the introduction of new Lynx
acquisition and Jamaican international Winston Grifiths, on loan
from Jamaican side Arnett Gardens. Looking to equalizing late in
the game, Lynx Head Coach Busby Jr. brought on Cameroonian striker
Huffman El Tabe in the 85th minute. The change resulted in El
Tabe's debut in Lynx colours. Further goals were not produced and
it was 2-1 to Richmond as the final whistle blew. Tonight's loss
dropped the Lynx to last place in the USL first division, and kept
Richmond in first. Lynxsoccer.com spoke to Toronto Lynx Head Coach
Hubert Busby Jr. in Richmond. "We are still going through some
growing pains. A good response from Richmond and some mental lapses
resulted in tonight's score. We are learning from our mistakes, and
gelling well together." Looking ahead to Sunday's match against
Virginia Beach, Busby Jr. said; "We are concentrating on maximum
points over the next three games. If we pick up maximum points,
we'll be in good position." The Lynx will have an opportunity to
gain points when they play the the 4th place Virginia Beach Mariners
on Sunday May 1st at 6:00 PM in Virginia
Beach.
Final Score: Richmond 2
Toronto 1
Lineups:
Toronto: Zagar, Piette, Arango, Mayard,
Munthali (Dodds 78), Titus, Dekker (Grifiths 62), Hart (Huffman 85),
Fraser, Gerba, Smith (Simpson 56)
Richmond: Pascale, Knight, Bobo, Fox,
Luzak, Brown, Williams, Carrieri (Burke 80), Jeffrey (Ssejjemba 43),
Worthen (Gorres 45), Delicate (Cephas 87)
Cautions: Toronto:
Munthali, Dekker
Ejections: None
Shots: Richmond 10,
Toronto 11
Saves: Richmond 4,
Toronto 1
Fouls: Richmond 9,
Toronto 10
Scorers: Richmond:
Worthen (Jeffrey) 28, Delicate (Brown) 48, Toronto: Gerba 27
(unassisted)
The Toronto Lynx next game is
in Virginia Beach against the Mariners on May 1, 2005.
Lynx home opener is on May 15th
against the Montreal Impact at Centennial Park Stadium at 4:00 PM.