Lynx Wrap Up Season on the Road
Published on August 26, 2004 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Toronto Lynx News Release
(TORONTO, ON) â After a challenging 5 months, the Toronto Lynx will conclude their eighth season on the road this weekend as they take on the Atlanta Silverback on Saturday, August 28th at 6:00pm and the Charleston Battery on Sunday, August 29th at 6:00pm. Saturday's game will have big playoff implications as a Lynx victory may spoil the Silverbacks' bid for their first playoff appearance since 2002. After dropping a 3-0 decision in Rochester last night, the Silverbacks trail the Raging Rhinos by one point for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with only one game to play.
The Silverbacks are the surprise of the 2004 A-League season. After finishing the 2003 season in last place in the Southeast Division with a 4-17-7 record, new head coach David Vaudreuil, has led the club to the brink of the playoffs with a 14-11-2 record this year. A big reason for the turnaround has been the performance of striker Mac Crozier. After scoring only 2 goals in 26 games last year, Crozier has enjoyed a breakout year with 12 goals and 27 points, ranking him 5th in the A-League.
Following Saturday's match, the Lynx will wrap up their 2004 season the next day in Charleston. The defending A-League Champion, Battery have not enjoyed their usual success this season and have struggled to a 6-15-6 record. Despite their troubles in A-League play, the Battery managed to advance to the semi-finals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup dropping a heartbreaking double overtime decision to the Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer. The Battery roster contains some impressive Canadian talent. Veteran, Mark Watson, is a staple of the Men's National Team defense and defensive midfielder, Rick Titus, who had a one-game stint with the Lynx this season and also played with the Edmonton Aviators in 2004 before joining the Battery.
The Lynx will be aiming to conclude the 2004 season on a positive note and build some momentum for their ninth season. With a new head coach and a young roster, the Lynx have improved tremendously offensively over the course of the season while their defense suffered a set back. Young Canadians such as, Jamie Dodds and Andres Arango have proven that they have the talent to compete in the A-League, while Lynx veterans Joe Mattacchione and Shawn Faria have stepped up as the team leaders.
GERBA EARNS TEAM OF THE WEEK HONOURS
Star striker, Ali Gerba, earned A-League Team of the Week honours for the 19th Week of the United Soccer League's season. Gerba scored both Lynx goals in a 2-1 overtime win over the Virginia Beach Mariners on August 18th. The goals give Gerba 15 on the season, setting a new Lynx single season record and putting him just 2 goals behind Alan Gordon of Portland for the A-League lead with three games to play. The Team of the Week selection was Gerba's third this season and fifth in his Lynx career. Gerba will continue his quest for the A-League scoring title in the Lynx final home game of the regular season tonight versus Edmonton F.C. at 7:30pm at Centennial Park Stadium as the Lynx celebrate Fan Appreciation Night and host their annual Player Awards Ceremonies at 7:00. Tickets for tonight's event are still available by calling 416-251-4625 ext. 31 or emailing lynx@lynxsoccer.com.
USL First Division Stories from August 26, 2004
- Lynx Wrap Up Home Schedule In Style - Toronto Lynx
- Nationally-televised game highlights big weekend for Timbers - Portland Timbers
- Thunder on national TV Friday vs. Portland - Minnesota Thunder
- USL Fox Sports World Game of the Week - USL-1
- Impact beats Edmonton, 2-0 - Montreal Impact
- Lynx Wrap Up Season on the Road - Toronto Lynx
- Cephas Called Up To Liberian National Team For World Cup Qualifying - Richmond Kickers
- Fan Appreciation Night This Friday - Vancouver Whitecaps
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