Lynx acquire two from Impact
Published on May 19, 2005 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Toronto Lynx News Release
[TORONTO, ON] - The Toronto Lynx announced today that they have acquired the rights to defender, Abraham Francois and striker, Sita-Taty Matondo, from the Montreal Impact in exchange for striker, Ali Gerba. Francois, who is an experienced defender in the USL First Division, was a target of the Lynx head coach during the off-season but re-signed with the Impact instead. The 28-year old from Montreal has spent parts of four seasons with the Impact (2000, 2001, 2003, 2005) earning two "Team of Week" selections in 2003 and helping the Impact post the best defensive record in the league. Internationally, Francois has played with the Canadian Olympic team and also won a gold medal with Canada at the 1997 Francophone Games in Madagascar. Coach Busby became familiar with Francois when he was head coach for the Ottawa Wizards in 2002 and the Wizards captured the regular season title, League Cup and playoff title. Francois' athleticism and aggressiveness will be a fine addition to the Lynx defense as they look to turn around the 2005 season after a frustrating 0-5-2 start.
The Lynx also acquired talented Canadian striker, Sita-Taty Matondo, as part of the agreement with the Impact. Matondo has represented Canada at all levels: U17, U20 and Olympic Team. On January 18, 2003, he made his debut with the Canadian World Cup team against the United States. As a rookie with the Impact in 2003, Matondo scored 4 goals in only 696 minutes playing primarily as a substitute. Following his successful professional debut, Matondo joined Landskrona of the Swedish Division 2 before returning to the Impact for the 2005 season. At only 20-years of age, Matondo has only scratched the surface of his playing potential and should be an offensive force for the Lynx for many years to come.
In exchange for Francois and Matondo, the Lynx will part with 2004 leading scorer and team MVP Ali Gerba. Gerba who resides in Montreal will begin his 3rd stint with the Impact and will appreciate being closer to his family. Last season, Gerba scored a Lynx record 15 goals and 34 points. In 24 career matches with Montreal, Gerba has recorded 6 goals and 3 assists. " It's always difficult parting with such a talented player as Ali. But in the end, we try and accommodate the personal needs of our players while at the same time making the necessary adjustments to our roster to improve
GTA SCHOOLS KICK IT UP WITH THE LYNX!
Last September, the Toronto Lynx Soccer Club once again kicked off one of their most successful community outreach programs: an effective school soccer program for GTA Schools with the mission of assisting educators to enhance their physical education programs. The Lynx have been delivering soccer clinics along with educational presentations to schools since 1998. This season, the educational presentations feature anti-smoking sessions in partnership with the Lung Association and anti-bullying sessions in partnership with the Canadian Safe School Network. Lynx players, Joe Mattacchione, Rhumba Munthali, Andres Arango, Josue Mayard and Ali Gerba have been the driving force in helping students improve their tactical and technical skills since the fall. French language schools are also taking advantage of the French speaking skills of Josue and Ali to deliver the clinics and presentations entirely in French. Some upcoming clinics over the next week include sessions to the following schools: St. Piux, St. Mary's, Queen of Heaven and St. Jerome.
This wonderful educational program is capped off every spring with a field trip to witness the highest level of men's pro soccer in Canada to inspire the students to greater heights. This season the school day is taking place on Tuesday May 31st with an 11:00 kick off when they take on the Rochester Raging Rhinos with a projected attendance of approximately 4000 students/educators. Many school bands and choirs will be showcasing their musical talents during the pre-game ceremonies while student representatives from all schools in attendance will take part in the half time soccer skills contest. For the first time, the Toronto Lady Lynx will also be hosting a school day which will be taking place on Wednesday June 8th at 11:00 when the Lady Lynx take on the Sudbury Canadians.
USL First Division Stories from May 19, 2005
- Lynx acquire two from Impact - Toronto Lynx
- Minnesota Thunder Storms Into Richmond This Weekend - Richmond Kickers
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.
