The Toronto Lynx were defeated 1-0 by the Rochester Raging Rhinos this evening in front of 1 900 fans at Centennial Park Stadium at the Lynx’ annual Emergency Services Night. Fans on hand were treated to demonstrations and displays from St. John’s Ambulance, the Canadian Red Cross, Toronto Police, Toronto EMS, Toronto Public Health and Animal Services and the Ontario Provincial Police before taking in the back end of the home-and-home series between the Lynx and Rhinos. The Rhinos prevailed in Friday’s meeting in Rochester by a score of 3-1.
The match picked up quickly, with both teams making quick, penetrating runs despite the wet field left behind by rainfall earlier in the day. Toronto came close to taking the lead in the 4th minute after they earned a free kick just outside the area. Joe Mattacchione took the kick, sending in a low, hard shot that Rochester goalkeeper Scott Vallow pushed aside.
Toronto earned another chance five minutes later when Rochester was called for a handball inside the area. Jamie Dodds took the ensuing penalty kick, but his shot was stopped by Scott Vallow, keeping the game goalless. This would become the dominant theme of the match as Vallow was outstanding throughout.
Rochester took the lead in the 12th minute when Greg Howes picked up Juninho’s pass and shot from 20 yards out. His shot found the top left of Lynx goalkeeper Theo Zagar’s goal, making it 1-0 for visiting Rochester. Rochester came close to making it a two goal margin when Howes’ chipped over Zagar after a breakaway, but his effort came off the post. Toronto almost equalized a minute later when Wyn Belotte’s shot from just inside the area was pushed aside by Vallow. There were no other chances in the first half, which ended 1-0 to Rochester.
The second half featured many runs at Rochester’s goal as Toronto searched for an equalizer. Toronto came close in the 62nd minute when second half substitute Niels Dekker’s rising shot from just outside the area was stopped by a diving Vallow. Toronto continued to press throughout the second half, but could not find the back of the goal and it was 1-0 to Rochester as the full time whistle blew.
Rochester goalkeeper Scott Vallow was impressive making 6 impressive stops en route to his shutout tonight. Rochester striker Greg Howes was the lone goal scorer in tonight’s match.
Tonight’s result leaves Toronto in 12th place in the USL First Division standings. Rochester improves to 13-6-4 and remains in second place, one point behind defending champions Montreal. Rochester has been victorious in all four matches against Toronto this season.
Toronto is next in action on August 21st when they host the Puerto Rico Islanders at 6:00 PM at Centennial Park Stadium.
4th min. Toronto earn a free kick just outside the area. Joe Mattacchione hits a low, hard shot that forces Wallow into a diving stop.
7th min. Rene Rivas’ run ends with his shot hitting the side netting.
9th min. Toronto earn a penalty kick after a handball inside the area. Jamie Dodds takes it, but Vallow saves with his feet.
12th min. Goal! Juninho passes to Greg Howes who shoots from 20 yards out. His shot finds the top left corner of Zagar’s goal.
15th min. Greg Howes has a breakaway. He chips over Zagar but his effort comes off the post.
16th min. Sean Fraser makes a run down the right side. He passes to Wyn Belotte who fires from just outside the area, but Vallow’s diving save forces the ball wide.
34th min. Kirk Wilson receives a yellow card.
40th min. Juninho’s free kick from 20 yards out is well over the bar.
45th min. Dave Simpson receives a yellow card.
62nd min. Niels Dekker shot from just outside the area is stopped by Vallow who holds onto the ball.
68th min. Jamie Dodds shot from 20 yards out is straight at Vallow who holds onto the ball.
70th min. Jamie Dodds receives a yellow card.
76th min. Howes’ shot from just inside the area is straight at Zagar who controls.
84th min. Desmond Tachie’s run down the right side ends in a centering pass, but Simpson’s shot is well over the bar.
88th min. After a scramble in front of goal, Ali shoots but his effort comes off a defender and rolls out.
89th min. John Ball’s shot from just inside the area is pushed aside by Zagar.