Gbeke Returns to Toronto
Published on July 19, 2005 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Toronto Lynx News Release
Striker, Charles Gbeke has re-signed with the Toronto Lynx following a season with Herfolge BK in the Danish Superleague. After Herfolge's relegation to the 2nd Division, Gbeke received his release and trialed with Croatia giants, Dynamo Zagreb, before returning to the Lynx last Friday. Gbeke spent part of the 2004 season in Toronto, appearing in 16 games and scoring 6 goals, second most on the team. The big striker from Abidjan, Ivory Coast is the natural goal scorer that the Lynx have been searching for since a trade sent Ali Gerba to the Montreal Impact back in May. Gbeke's presence has already had a positive impact on the Lynx. He scored 20 minutes into his debut on Saturday, July 16th versus Seattle, helping the Lynx to their first home win of the season. Gbeke is a well traveled player, with stints with the Vancouver Whitecaps and Seattle Sounders in the USL First Division, as well as French First Division Club Trois in 1999-2000 and Comercil and Matsubara of the Brazilian Second Division in 2000-2001 and 2002-2003 respectively. Lynx head coach, Hubert Busby Jr. became familiar with Gbeke's talent during the 2003 season as the head coach of the Ottawa Wizards of the CPSL. That season, Gbeke, started in all 18 matches for Wizards scoring 10 goals. Thus far their reunion with the Lynx has been a success as Gbeke's goal helped the Lynx improve to 2-8-5 this season, Busby's first as the Lynx head coach.
LYNX HOST ANNUAL YOUTH DAY MATINEE TOMORROW!
Gbeke will attempt to continue his goal scoring ways tomorrow as the Lynx welcome the Atlanta Silverbacks to Centennial Park Stadium for their annual Pizza Pizza Youth Day presented by Lynx media partner City Parent / News 4 Kids. The match is a special matinee with a 12 noon kickoff as the Lynx host many youth organizations from across the GTA including summer camps and academies, community centres and summer schools. The Lynx are playing their best soccer of the season being undefeated in their last 3 matches. Midfielder, Jamie Dodds has been the catalyst for the Lynx leading the team in all offensive categories with 4 goals, 3 assists and 11 points. The second year professional from Hamilton, Ontario has thrilled Lynx fans with his bending free kicks and mazy dribbles. With Busby able to mold the 2005 roster in his image, the Lynx have become a young and hungry team with contributions from a core of young Canadian players. In addition to Dodds, the Lynx roster boasts 9 other Canadians under the age of 25 that have seen significant action this season: Andres Arango, Sean Fraser, Wyn Belotte, Sita-Taty Matondo, Dave Simpson, Niels Dekker, Said Ali, Huffman Eja-Tabe and Chris Williams.
The Silverbacks have overcome some off-the-field turmoil this season to sneak into a tie for the 6th and final playoff spot in the USL First Division with a 6-8-3 record. Since a mid-season coaching change saw former Piedmont College head coach, Jason Smith replace David Vaudreuil, the Silverbacks have a 3-3-0 record including a 4-2 victory in Puerto Rico in their last match. Jamaican International striker, Fabian Dawkins has been the star of the first half of the season scoring 9 goals and adding 1 assist in 15 games. Entering this week's action, Dawkins is tied for the league lead in goals and sits second in points. Dawkins has been the beneficiary of some tremendous service as three Silverbacks players are tied for second place in the league with 4 assists: Gary Brooks, Alex Pineda-Chacon and Robrigo Rios-Rodriguez.
LYNX BATTLE CANADIAN RIVALS IN HOME-AND-HOME SERIES
The Lynx will continue their busy week with a home-and-home series with the defending USL First Division Champion, Montreal Impact beginning this Friday, July 22nd at Centennial Park Stadium at 7:30pm. The teams will renew acquaintances on Sunday, July 24th in Montreal at 4:00pm. This match is available via online web cast by visiting www.impactmontreal.com.
The Impact have continued the momentum from the championship into the 2005 season and are undefeated with an 8-0-5 record. The defense has been the key to the Impact's fast start. After allowing the fewest goals in the league last season, Montreal has tightened their backline even further conceding only 6 goals in 13 matches. National Team goalkeeper, Greg Sutton, the starter for Canada in this month's Gold Cup has been his usual spectacular self earning 7 shutouts in 10 matches for a 0.30 Goals Against Average. Canadian National Team defenders, Adam Braz, Nevio Pizzolitto and Gabriel Gervais along with former Lynx star, Mauricio Vincello, help Sutton to make up an imposing defensive unit.
Offensively, former Lynx striker, Ali Gerba, has been outstanding since joining the Impact. His 4 goals lead the team, despite appearing in only 6 matches in Impact colours. Gerba's performance has not been over looked by Canadian National Team Head Coach, Frank Yallop, who selected Gerba for his Gold Cup squad where he made his first appearance for Canada. Veteran midfielder/forward, Mauro Biello is also enjoying a fine season. The 5-time All-USL First Division Team selection has 3 goals and 3 assists to again rank in the league's top 20 in scoring.
USL First Division Stories from July 19, 2005
- Silverbacks men look to consolidate their playoff position - Atlanta Silverbacks
- Mariner midfielder Hamisi Amani-Dove named to USL first division team of the week - Virginia Beach Mariners
- USL Week 13 Teams of the Week announced - USL-1
- Gbeke Returns to Toronto - Toronto Lynx
- Hidden soccer balls good for two free tickets - Portland Timbers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
