Calgary Mustangs Match Reports by Jason Kmet

July 25, 2004 -- Toronto Lynx 3 at Calgary Mustangs 2

After nearly a month without a home match, the Calgary Mustangs finally returned to their home pitch on a hot summer Alberta afternoon.  Unfortunately, the picture-perfect day was spoiled by the Toronto Lynx as they defeated Calgary 3-2.

The Calgary faithful did not wait very long to see the first goal of the match.  In the ninth minute, Lynx forward Ali Gerba put the ball past Mustang keeper Lutz Pfannestiel. 

A couple of minutes later, Calgary forward Conrad Smith had an attempt on goal, but was not able to finish.  Smith was rewarded a few minutes later in the 16^th when a great through ball came to him as he blazed past the Toronto defender.  He made no mistake and tied the game at 1-1.

In the 18^th minute, Pfannestiel made a great save when he tipped a powerful Lynx shot over the net.  However, in the 22^nd minute, Gerba took advantage of a Calgary defensive breakdown and made a dash towards goal.  Pfannestiel tried to come out to make the save, but Gerba rolled the ball just beyond his reach and it ended up just inside the right post,

Three minutes later, a mini-brawl broke loose prior to a Calgary free kick.  By the time it was over, the referee ejected Steffen Holdt of Calgary and Shawn Faria of the Lynx.

Calgary tied it up in the 29^th minute when Mesut Mert’s corner found captain Geert Brusselers at the far post, where he headed it past Lynx keeper Bryheem Hancock.

The Lynx had another chance in the 40^th minute, but a charging Pfannestiel made the save.  Conrad Smith had a good opportunity for Calgary a couple of minutes later, but his shot did not find the mark.  The best chance in this flurry was during injury time when Gerba took a point blank shot on goal, but the Calgary keeper made a great reaction save.

In the 50^th minute, Toronto broke the tie when Rumbani Munthali blew past the Calgary defense on the left side and played a smart ball to the waiting Charles Gbeke, who volleyed it into the goal.  Pfannestiel had no chance.

Calgary sub Sergei Kolomiets-Radd made a good rush on goal in the 59^th minute.  He passed to Damir Jesic, who put the ball well over the net. 

Calgary did not get very aggressive in the late stages of the game, but did have one good chance in the final moments.  Jordan Gillespie worked his way through some Lynx defenders on the left side.  He crossed the ball into the box, but a streaking Nick Zuniga could not get to the ball in time.

The Mustangs' next match is on Wednesday when the Portland Timbers visit Calgary.

MUSTANG NOTES:  Zdravko Savic did not dress for the Mustangs.  He has been transferred from Calgary to a German team and will leave the city this week…Lutz Pfannenstiel was looking for work in July during a break between games.  He visited  England and Germany, trialing for several clubs, including Leeds United…Walter Otta made his Mustang home debut.  The Argentinian striker was previously amongst the top scorers in the Chile and Bolivia leagues…Ernesto Zapata is the other newly signed Calgary forward.  Zapata was born in Uruguay and most recently played in Peru.  Zapata did not play due to a broken rib suffered in practice…Calgary midfielder Mesut Mert was invited to the Canada B team camp in Vancouver.  Mert played in both friendlies, where he faces Milwall (England First Division) and Hearts (Scotland Premier League).  Mert was joined by Lynx players Tyler Hughes and Adrian Serioux.  Serioux impressed Milwall enough for them to offer him a contract.  Transfer details should be made available this week 

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