May 31, 2005 USL Toronto Lynx vs Puerto Rico Islanders (from Toronto Star)
Jun. 1, 2005. 01:00 AM
Raging Rhinos gore listless Lynx
Team sits in last place in the USL Toronto's coach promises changes
DONOVAN VINCENT
SPORTS REPORTER
The stands at Centennial Park Stadium were packed with cheering young fans but that wasn't near enough to inspire the Toronto Lynx in their United Soccer League match against the Rochester Raging Rhinos yesterday.
After the Lynx trailed 5-1 at the half, coach Hubert Busby Jr. read the riot act to his players in the locker room.
The Lynx scored twice in the second half to make the final score a respectable 5-3 but the loss dropped the team to 0-6-3 — dead last in the standing.
A livid Busby said some of his players "should have stayed at home in bed.''
Needless to say, the Lynx defence was atrocious in the first 45 minutes.
"We've been having some defensive frailties all season,'' understated Busby. "We've looked to rectify it. But now it just comes down to us having to deal with personnel.''
Busby added that he will be making changes as early as Friday when the Lynx travel to Montreal to meet the Impact.
"We're definitely looking at getting some new defenders in and look to get some midfield players to solidify some of things that are breaking down.''The Lynx coach was especially steamed because yesterday was the club's School Day promotion, where about 4,000 students were bused in to the game.
The day featured cheerleaders, a skills competition and a generally noisy crowd that was larger than the 2,000 or so the Lynx usually draw.
The club operates a school program in which team members speak to elementary school students about bullying, healthy living and the perils of smoking. The youngsters also get soccer tips and are encouraged to play the sport.
But yesterday it was the Lynx who were in need of the soccer tips.
Kirk Wilson led the Rhinos with a career-high three goals and was named player of the game.
Rochester's second goal came from midfielder John Ball, who lobbed the ball over goalkeeper Theo Zagar, who was replaced in the 28th minute.
Wilson scored the third with a beautiful header off a pass from defender Jason Perry. Frankie Sanfillippo then added the fourth goal.
Jamie Dodds finally got the Lynx on the scoreboard with a goal in the 41st minute.
Wilson said he was a bit surprised at how easy it was to penetrate the Lynx defence.
"Their marking was a little bit loose and that helped us,'' said Wilson, whose team improved to 2-4-1.
After their halftime scolding, the Lynx did come back with more vim and vigour, outshooting Rochester 7-0.
Sean Fraser and Urbain Some got the second and third goals for the Lynx.
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