report from Michael Koreen of the Toronto Sun...

June 16, 2002
Lynx midfielder sets 'em up

By MIKE KOREEN -- Toronto Sun

Size doesn't matter.

Pint-sized midfielder Robbie Aristodemo made a big impact last night, setting up three goals as the Toronto Lynx tied a franchise record for goals in a game with a 4-2 win over the expansion Calgary Storm (1-9-1) before 1,118 fans.

The win was especially sweet for Toronto (3-7-1) because of a unique A-League rule. Any team that scores at least three goals is awarded a bonus point, meaning Toronto earned five points in the standings -- teams get four points with a win.

"That was a must-win for us," said the 5-foot-6 Aristodemo, whose team has won two games in a row.

"We were a little nervous after the first half (when the Lynx were trailing 2-1)," the 25-year-old said.

"But we knew (Calgary is) a very young and inexperienced team and if we kept plugging away, it was only a matter of time (before the Lynx scored)."

When the second half started, Lynx general manager/coach Peter Pinizzotto made a key decision. He removed Aristodemo from his left midfield position and put him into his natural spot in the middle of the pitch for the first time since he joined the team last season.

"I keep him wide because I think you need a steady defender there. But he carried some balls in the middle and it was a good move to put him there," said Pinizzotto, who doesn't know where he'll play Aristodemo the rest of the season.

"He has been playing very well and he's got a good touch."

After the Lynx scored on two Aristodemo corner kicks, the Etobicoke native made a perfect running feed to Niki Budalic in the penalty area.

The rookie then beat Calgary goalie Lars Herschfeld in the 57th minute, giving the Lynx a 3-2 lead.

Budalic, goalless during the past six games, added his team-leading sixth goal in the 75th minute. Milan Kojic and Mauricio Vincello also scored for the Lynx, who play host to the Pittsburgh Riverhounds next Sunday.

Mike Pavicic and Peter Heidler replied for the Storm.

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