Lady Lynx battle for first place

Published on June 28, 2005 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Toronto Lynx News Release


Tuesday, June 28, 2005 (TORONTO, ON) - The Toronto Lady Lynx will travel to Ottawa on Wednesday, June 29th to take on the Fury in a battle that could determine the winner of the W-League's Northern Division. In their inaugural season, the Lady Lynx have raced to a 7-1-0 start to lead the division with 21 points. Equally impressive, the Fury have begun the year at 5-1-0 after winning the North Central Division last season with a 13-1-0 record.

The Fury is coming off back-to-back wins in Vermont, avenging their only loss of the season, 1-0 on June 8th in Ottawa. With a roster full of Canadian National Team players, the Fury will surely be the toughest test yet for the Lady Lynx. The W-League 2004 Most Valuable Player, Kelly Parker, leads the charge offensively for the Fury. After a season that saw her score 18 goals and add 9 assists in only 14 games, the Canadian National Team striker has scored 6 times and recorded 3 assists in her first 6 games. Her National Team teammate, Rhian Wilkinson has been equally impressive with 4 goals and 6 assists in just 4 games. Defensively, Taryn Swiatek, is stellar in goal. The Canadian National Team 'keeper has recorded 2 shutouts in 4 matchs and has a goals-against-average of 0.710. Canadian National Team stars Diana Matheson of Oakville and Carmelina Moscato of Mississauga make the Fury one of the most formidable teams in the W-League.

Having a very talented roster of their own this season, the Lady Lynx have captured the hearts and interest of Toronto soccer fans with their dynamic attacking style of play. Kim Warner, the Lady Lynx "super sub", has been the surprise off the season having scored 7 goals in 8 games to rank in the W-League's top 5. The speedy striker from North York has three multi-goal games already this season. The Lady Lynx international players have also found their form and settled nicely into the roster. Scottish International, Julia Ralph, has displayed her passing ability, while American, Kristen Habenicht has been a tough tackler in the midfield. Yuiko Konno of Japan, has also come into her own, scoring 3 goals and adding 2 assists.

LADY LYNX CONTINUE ROAD TRIP IN VERMONT!

After Wednesday's first place clash, the Lady Lynx will continue their road trip on Saturday, July 2nd at 7:00pm against the Vermont Lady Voltage. The match will be the 5th in a row on the road for the Lady Lynx, who have a 3-1-0 record away from home entering this week's matches. The Lady Voltage are 4-6-0 this season, including loss to the Lady Lynx in Toronto on May 15th and June 5th. With only 2 playoff spots available in the Northern Division, the Lady Voltage will be desparate for a win to keep pace with the Lady Lynx and Fury in the division. The Lady Voltage rely on American international goalkeeper, Kristin Luckenbill, one of the top 'keepers in the W-League. She leads the W-League with 64 saves and has recorded 2 shutouts this season. The Lady Lynx saw first hand how dominant Luckenbill can be in their inaugural home opener. Despite outshooting the Lady Voltage 23-5, it took the Lady Lynx overtime to secure a 3-1 victory.

LYNX @ CHIN PICNIC & @ CENTENNIAL RIBFEST FOR CANADA DAY CELEBRATIONS!

With a break in their USL First Division schedule this weekend, the Toronto Lynx players and events team will be very active with Canada Day Celebrations at the 2005 Centennial Rotary Club Ribfest and the CHIN International Picnic. With over 40 vendors and 150,000 people attending, the Ribfest is a massive event that takes place from Thursday, June 30th until Sunday, July 3rd at Centennial Park in Etobicoke. Lynx event staff and players will be on hand all four days providing soccer skills contests and prizes; Greet & Meet with Lynx players and the Lynxster mascot and performances by the Lynx dance team and cheerleaders.

On Friday July 1st, the Lynx players will also take part in the annual CHIN International Picnic believed to be the largest free picnic in the world with an estimated 250,000 people attending and more than 2,000 performers providing exciting entertainment. CHIN International Radio a media leader in multilingual and multicultural radio programming has been a loyal media partner of the Toronto Lynx since the club's early years. This season the Lynx will host an interactive soccer area at the Better Living Centre on the CNE grounds where young players can enhance their soccer skills and win great prizes. Lynx stars Robbie Aristodemo, Rumba Munthali and Rick Titus as well as Lynx coaches Hubert Busby Jr. and Lyndon Hooper will be on hand to offer soccer tips.

UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO TRAIN WITH LYNX!

Young soccer players in the GTA will have the unique opportunity to train with the Toronto Lynx and Lady Lynx players at Centennial Park Stadium through their Fantasy Camps. The first session kicks off on July 4-8 with boys and girls aged 6-16 training with the Lady Lynx for a full week session. Parents and coaches really appreciate this unique opportunity for their youth to be inspired by some of the finest talent in our country. A second session with the Lady Lynx is being offered during the first week in August. Young players will be able to work on skill development, team building and the unique opportunity to interact with the Lady Lynx players and be mentored to greater heights. Those wishing to train with the Lynx players and coaching staff will also have 2 sessions from which to choose.

" In the pro sports world, what we have to offer is very unusual!", says Nicole Hartrell, the club's owner and Chief Operating Officer. " Imagine a young player being able to train with the likes of Theo Zagar, Joe Mattacchione or Yuiko Kono and Julia Ralph for a full week! This usually blows their mind! Parents and coaches cannot speak enough of the incredible increase in their child's self confidence after the training session!" Registration fees for the Fantasy Camps are very reasonable and includes a t-shirt and ticket to a Lynx or Lady Lynx match.The Club also offers discounted rates for families and soccer teams. With sponsors Pizza Pizza, Tim Hortons, Soccerworld and Inaria putting their support behind the Fantasy Camp program, young campers are sure to have a memorable summer fulfilling their soccer fantasy!



USL First Division Stories from June 28, 2005


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