Lady Lynx Comes to a Close

Toronto Loses to Ottawa 2-0 in Eastern Conference Championship Match

 

 

Date: July 31, 2005

 

Venue: Keith Harris Stadium, Ottawa, Ontario

 

Kick Off Time: 2:00 PM EST

 

Final Score: Ottawa 2  Toronto 0 

 

Match Summary:

 

The Toronto Lady Lynx' incredibly successful inaugural season came to a close this afternoon with a 2-0 loss to the Ottawa Fury in the W-League's Eastern Conference championship match at Keith Harris Stadium in Ottawa, Ontario.

 

Ottawa took the lead in the 17th minute when Diana Mathseon sent a ball into Toronto's area.  Robin Gayle tapped the ball in after a scramble in front of Toronto goalkeeper Stacy VanBoxmeer's goal.  The traffic in front of goal prevented VanBoxmeer from having a proper view of the play and Gayle profited with an easy goal. Gayle's strike was the lone goal of the first half and it was 1-0 to Ottawa after 45 minutes.

 

Ottawa added to their tally in the 59th minute when Toronto was called for a handball inside the 18 yard box.  Diana Matheson converted the ensuing penalty kick to make it 2-0.

 

Despite being down 2-0, Toronto continued to attack, but could not break through Ottawa's back line. It was 2-0 to Ottawa as the full time whistle sounded.

 

Diana Matheson picked up a goal and an assist today, while Ottawa goalkeeper Taryn Swiatek held on for the shutout.

 

Today's result sends Ottawa to the W-League Championship tournament in New Jersey. 

 

Today's loss ends the Lady Lynx' highly successful inaugural season. It was a season where the Lady Lynx finished in second place of the Eastern Conference's Northern Division with a regular season record of 11-3-0.  Toronto also produced Kim Warner, the W-League's regular season top scorer who struck 15 times in 12 games. 

 

The Lady Lynx' fast paced, attacking brand of soccer entertained large crowds at Centennial Stadium all season long, creating a fan base all across the Greater Toronto Area.  The Lady Lynx will hope to carry over their fine form into the 2006 season, when they take to the field again.  Fans can keep updated by logging on at www.lynxsoccer.com.  for Lady Lynx updates.          

 

 

Notes:  Toronto reached the final by defeating the Boston Renegades 2-1 in the Eastern Conference semifinal yesterday, while Ottawa defeated Long Island 5-1 in the second semifinal.  Toronto finished second to Ottawa in the W-League's Eastern Conference Northern Division in the regular season.  Both clubs faced each other twice during the regular season, with Ottawa winning the first match at home 5-0, as well as the second match 3-1 in Toronto. 

 

         

 

Final Score: Ottawa 2 Toronto 0  

 

Shots: Ottawa 20, Toronto 7 

 

Scorers: Ottawa: Gayle (Matheson) 17, Matheson (PK) 59