Lynx Defeated on the Island
Published on September 9, 2005 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Toronto Lynx News Release
The Toronto Lynx lost their first match ever against Puerto Rico, dropping a 2-0 result away to the Puerto Rico Islanders this evening in front of 7 811 fans at Juan Lobriel Stadium in Puerto Rico. Tonight's victory brings Puerto Rico to within one point of the final playoff spot in the USL First Division.
Puerto Rico, desperately needing a win, pressed ahead early on and took the lead in the 28th minute. Noah Delgado sent a ball into Toronto's area. Petter Villegas picked the ball up right in front of goal and shot at Toronto goalkeeper Richard Goddard who blocked the shot. The rebond fell right to Villegas who tapped into the empty goal from a couple yards out.
Puerto Rico doubled their lead in the 42nd minute. The Delagado - Villegas connection was responsible again, only this time Villegas played the part of provider, while Delgado was the finisher. Villegas sent a ball down the flank to Delgado, who chiped the ball towards fgoal from just a couple of yards away from the touchline. Goddard got a hand to it but could not keep it out.
It was 2-0 to Puerto Rico after a first half in which Puuerto Rico outshot Toronto 9-3. Toronto, and Trinidad and Tobago international goalkeeper Richard Goddard was busy in goal, making five stops.
Puerto Rico came close to adding another four minutes after the restart. Marcelo Salles blistering shot from 20 yards out deflected off of a Lynx defender, but came off the crossbar.
Toronto best chance fell to Huffman El Tabe in the 61st minute. After a typical El Tabe dribble, he shot from 20 yards out. His effort was straight at Puerto Rico 'keepr Dan Kennedy who held on.
Both sides exchanged half chances as the game wore on, but it remained 2-0 to Puerto Rico as full time sounded.
Petter Villegas and Noah Delgado both picked up a goal and an assist each. Dan Kennedy made 2 saves en route to his shutout tonight. Richard Goddard made 9 saves through 90 minutes.
Tonight's result leaves Toronto in 12th place of the USL First Division with a record of 3-16-8. Puerto Rico improves to 7th with a record of 9-10-8, just one point shy of the final playoff spot.
Toronto warps up its season this Sunday September 11 at 4:00 PM when they face the Islanders once again for the second match of their two game series.
Notes: Toronto entered tonight's match in 12th place of the USL First Division with a record of 3-15-8. Puerto Rico sat in 8th with a record of 8-10-8. A win would leave them one point away from the sixth and final playoff spot. Historically, Toronto was undefeated against Puerto Rico, with an all-time record of 3-0-2. Both game between the two clubs ended as ties this season, with the first finishing 4-4 in May, and the second 1-1 in August. Both matches were played in Toronto.
USL First Division Stories from September 9, 2005
- Lynx Defeated on the Island - Toronto Lynx
- Thunder, MYSA team up to help hurricane victims - Minnesota Thunder
- Charleston Battery Fans Donate $12,912 for Hurricane Katrina Relief - Charleston Battery
- Toronto at Puerto Rico live Friday on Fox Soccer Channel - USL-1
- Whitecaps host USL First Division champs - Vancouver Whitecaps
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