Lynx Fall to Defending Champs
Published on July 22, 2005 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Toronto Lynx News Release
The Toronto Lynx welcomed the defending USL First Division champion, Montreal Impact to Centennial Park Stadium tonight for the Lynx' annual Mascot Night. With the crazy mascots from business and sports organizations from across the GTA putting on a fantastic show for the 2,489 fans in attendance, the Lynx put their 4-game unbeaten streak on the line against the undefeated Impact. Humber Express Barber Shop Chorus regaled the crowd in the pre-game ceremonies before tonight's match, the first of a home-and-home series that will conclude on Sunday in Montreal.
The first half started with a chance for Montreal to take the lead in the 5th minute when Antonia Ribeiro headed Sandro Grande's corner, forcing Lynx 'keeper Theo Zagar into a diving save. Montreal came close again in the 18th minute when Zagar slipped, leaving Impact striker Ali Gerba alone in front of goal. However, the former Lynx star's shot was cleared off the line by Lynx defender Rick Titus. The 28th minute featured another diving stop by Zagar, on Mauro Biello's shot from just outside the area.
Montreal took the lead in the 38th minute when Biello ran onto Sandro Grande's pass and chipped over an oncoming Zagar.
Toronto came close to equalizing in the 44th minute when Sean Fraser redirected Jamie Dodds' cross into Montreal's box. Joe Matacchione headed Fraser's pass but Montreal goalkeeper Greg Sutton was well placed to make the stop. It was 1-0 to Montreal as the first half whistle blew.
Toronto's best chance of an equalizer came five minutes into the second half, when former Montreal midfielder, Sita-Taty Matondo sent in a cross that Jamie Dodds' headed towards goal. His effort was well taken, but Sutton was perfectly placed to make the stop. Montreal came close to adding to their tally in the 59th minute when AIi Gerba's chip from 20 yards went just over Zagar's goal.
Toronto had a final chance to earn a draw in the 77th minute when Wyn Belotte found space to shoot, but his effort was stopped by Sutton. The match ended in scrappy fashion, with Toronto's Huffman Eja-Tabe receiving red card in the 89th minute for a late tackle on Impact midfielder, Ze Roberto.
It was 1-0 to visiting Montreal after 90 minutes. Montreal out shot Toronto 14-6, forcing Zagar into 5 saves. Montreal's Greg Sutton made 3 stops en route to tonight's shutout. A total of six yellow cards were handed out, as well as one straight red.
Mauro Biello's goal tonight was his 60th in Impact colours. It was also his 250th game for the club.
Tonight's result end's Toronto's (3-9-5) four game unbeaten run, and keeps Montreal (9-0-5) unbeaten this season. Toronto's next game is this Sunday, July 24th, when Montreal play hosts for a 4:00 PM kickoff. Notes: Toronto entered tonight's match with a record of 3-8-5, having not lost their last four games. Montreal was 8-0-5, and the only undefeated side in the USL First Division. Toronto had an all-time record of 9-16-4 against Montreal coming into tonight's match. Both clubs had faced one another twice this season. Toronto lost at home 1-0 to Montreal in May, and played to a scoreless tie in Montreal in June.
USL First Division Stories from July 22, 2005
- Kickers and Rhinos Battle To Scoreless Stalemate - Richmond Kickers
- Lynx Fall to Defending Champs - Toronto Lynx
- Battery defeats Islanders, Hollingsworth scores 89th minute winner - Charleston Battery
- Sounders back in action on July 23rd in Double Header with Sounders Women - Seattle Sounders
- Silverbacks host Puerto Rico Sunday - Atlanta Silverbacks
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