Lynx Kick Off 2004 Home Schedule

Published on May 12, 2004 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Toronto Lynx News Release


(TORONTO, ON) – After a grueling four game road trip to start the season, the Toronto Lynx will finally open their 2004 home schedule on Sunday, May 16th at 4:00pm when they take on the Rochester Raging Rhinos at Centennial Park Stadium in Etobicoke. With a roster that includes 13 new faces and a brand new head coach, Duncan Wilde, home fans will get their first look at the 2004 lineup. Veteran fan favourite, Shawn Faria, has taken over as team captain and appears fit to make his return to the Lynx lineup after missing the last three matches due to injury. New starting goalkeeper, Bryheem Hancock has been outstanding in his four starts thus far and sits second in the A-League in saves. The strike force of Ali Gerba and John Barry Nusum is also beginning to click, with each scoring a highlight reel goal on the Lynx recent swing through Virginia to meet the Richmond Kickers and Virginia Beach Mariners. "We have improved with each performance since the season opener," observed Wilde. "We have been a bit naïve defensively thus far, but our work this far has been to sort this out in preparation for the home opener. For the first time this season everyone looks fit and we will be able to start our preferred lineup."

Lynx fans in attendance will receive a schedule magnet courtesy of Rogers Television as part of the partnership for televising Lynx games this season. Fans can also expect additional in game giveaways from Lynx sponsors: Pro-Line, Heineken, Fox Sports World Canada, Sony Music, Hasbro. The pre-game ceremonies will kick off at 3:30 with the Toronto Lynx Dance Team under the directorship of Jordana Rosenberg and the Toronto Lynx Flygirls, an exceptional acrobatic cheerleading team under the directorship of Mandy Cheetham. The Newmarket, York United and Glen Shields Soccer Clubs along with the Toronto Soccer Association each have declared official outings to the home opener for exciting youth club interactives which are popular at all Lynx games.

After a successful start to the season that saw them snatch a 1-0 overtime victory in Puerto Rico, the Lynx have dropped three straight matches. After a 4-0 loss in Rochester to start the month of May, the Lynx have steadily improved and deserved better in a 3-1 loss in Richmond and 3-2 defeat in Virginia Beach last week. This Sunday, the Lynx will be out for revenge in a rematch with their biggest rival, the Rochester Raging Rhinos. The Lynx have an impressive 5-2-0 record in home openers and are 7-5-4 lifetime against the Rhinos at home. This match will have even more meaning as former Lynx captain and goalkeeper, Theo Zagar makes his first return to Toronto since his off-season transfer to Rochester. Zagar and his Rhinos teammates have been impressive thus far in 2004. After a 5-0-1 preseason, the Rhinos have recorded wins in their first 2 home matches of the season, outscoring their opposition 7-0 in the process. Former MLS striker, Chris Carrieri has been the offensive star, recording 2 goals and 2 assists for 6 points in the two games. The Rhinos will also get a boost as 2003 top scorer, Doug Miller, appears set to return from injury. He was in uniform for Rochester's 3-0 victory over Puerto Rico last week and is expected to see action as the Rhinos play their first road match of the season this Friday in Syracuse.



USL First Division Stories from May 12, 2004


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