May 20, 2005 USL Toronto Lynx article on return of Theo Zagar (from Metroland newspapers)

Keeper returns to Lynx
Soccer

SAM LASKARIS More from this author
May. 20, 2005

After one season of starring south of the border, East York's Theo Zagar is back in his hometown. Zagar is a top goalkeeper in the First Division of the United Soccer League (formerly the A-League).

The 30-year-old had spent six seasons with the Toronto Lynx but then joined the Rochester Raging Rhinos for the 2004 campaign.

Though he had signed a two-year deal with the Raging Rhinos, Zagar was not eager to go back to Rochester this season.

That's because he was not keen to leave his family behind. Zagar's wife Sofi is a teacher.

Also, Sofi gave birth to the couple's first child, son Aggelos, on March 18.

After Zagar told Rochester officials about his family concerns, a deal was worked out allowing him to return to the Lynx.

"I was very fortunate there was a spot for me to come back to," Zagar said.

With the Lynx this season Zagar is playing under first-year head coach Hubert Busby, an individual he's well acquainted with.

When Zagar broke into the A-League in 1998, Busby was the starting netminder for the Lynx. Zagar was the club's backup.

"He's still my boss, I guess," Zagar said.

Though he appeared in 20 contests with the Raging Rhinos last season, registering nine shutouts and a 0.84 goals-against average, Zagar was not guaranteed Rochester's starting job this season.

Zagar said a new coach in Rochester had brought in several new faces, including between the pipes, this season.

"It didn't make any sense for me to go to Rochester and be on the bench," he said.

Zagar is obviously pleased to be back with the Lynx.

"There's nothing like home," he said.

Yet he still enjoyed his stint with the Raging Rhinos.

"It was a very good experience for myself," he said. "They're one of the top teams in the league."

As for the Lynx, they surrendered a league-high 50 goals in 28 matches a year ago.

"Obviously they brought me in to help that out," Zagar said.

But the Toronto side, which plays its home contests at Etobicoke's Centennial Stadium, has not had an ideal start to its 2005 campaign.

The Lynx, who played their first six regular season contests on the road, currently have two ties and five losses following seven matches.

"It's been a rough start," said Zagar, who has played in all four games thus far.

The Lynx have scored just twice in their four games.

"I feel once we get on a roll, we should be okay," Zagar said.

The next game for the Lynx is slated to take place at Etobicoke's Centennial Stadium May 28 versus the Puerto Rico Islanders at 7:30 p.m.

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