TORONTO, ON—(May 2, 2002)…Toronto Lynx rookie forward Nikola Budalic, in only his second week in the league, was named A-League Player of the Week today. Budalic, 23, and a resident of Kitchener, Ontario won the award for his solid play over the weekend as Toronto tied Richmond 1-1 and defeated Hampton Roads 2-1. Budalic scored a goal in each contest and through three games leads the team in goals (2) and points (4).
Budalic, who played last year with Glen Shields of the Canadian Professional Soccer League (CPSL), credits his teammates for his early season success. "We have a lot of veterans on this team and they’ve made my transition from the CPSL to the A-League a lot easier", said Budalic. As for suggestions that he is one of the early season favourites for the 2002 A-League Rookie of the Year Award, the Toronto forward is quick to downplay such lofty praise. "It’s a bit too early for predictions", said Budalic. "Last week the team played well and I was fortunate enough to put a couple shots in, but it’s still only one week".
SPORTSIO AND FOX SPORTS WORLD CANADA ANNOUNCE 2002 USL TV SCHEDULE
Sportsio and Fox Sports World Canada announced today that Fox Sports World Canada, wholly owned by Global Television in partnership with Fox Sports International, will broadcast five United Soccer Leagues (USL) A-League games plus the A-League Championship. The first televised match will be May 3, 2002 at 8:00 p.m. (ET) as the Toronto Lynx visit the Atlanta Silverbacks.
The regular season matches feature the Calgary Storm (celebrating its inaugural season in the A-League and the USL’s 2001 Regular Season PDL Champions), the Montreal Impact (in its ninth season with USL and 1994 A-League Champion, the Toronto Lynx (in its sixth season with the USL) and the Vancouver Whitecaps (in its tenth season in the A-League). The USL A-League in Canada is classified as Division I, which is the highest level of professional soccer.
The 2002 USL Television Schedule on Fox Sports World Canada
Day Date Air Time (ET) Event
Friday May 3 8:00 p.m. Toronto Lynx at Atlanta Silverbacks
Friday July 5 8:00 p.m. Cincinnati Riverhawks at Toronto Lynx
Friday July 12 11:00 p.m. Calgary Storm at Seattle Sounders
Friday July 26 8:00 p.m. Montreal Impact at Rochester Raging Rhinos
Friday August 2 11:00 p.m. Toronto Lynx at Vancouver Whitecaps
Saturday September 28 TBD A-League Championship
* Dates and times subject to change.
All broadcast and digital media rights to USL are held by Sportsio, who will be responsible for the production of all games.
"The Canada-US rivalries, plus the all-Canada match, will give fans a great taste of the only truly North American professional soccer league," said Neil Meadows, Managing Director for Sportsio North America.
"Adding the A-League to the Fox Sports World Canada schedule represents just one more important asset to our rich mix of soccer programs. We are delighted to be carrying these matches," said Adam Ivers, Vice-President of Programming for Fox Sports World Canada.
About Sportsio
Sportsio is one of the leading providers of digital sports content and services to the world of soccer. Through its global network of dedicated soccer Web sites, Sportsio operates a rapidly growing International soccer community. Offering the very best in soccer content from match broadcasts, news and reviews to interactive chat and merchandising, Sportsio appeals to fans at every level of the game. In addition, Sportsio provides tailored business-to-business solutions allowing companies and organizations to implement strategies that capitalize on the global online interest in the sport. Working with soccer clubs, international players and soccer leagues throughout the world, Sportsio’s solutions include editorial content, digital new media rights management, Web site management, e-commerce facilities and the production and delivery of streamed media.
About Fox Sports World Canada
Fox Sports World Canada, wholly owned and operated by Global Television in partnership with Fox Sports International, offers programming that has never been available to Canadian sports fans on a regular basis. The lineup includes soccer, rugby and cricket anchored by English Premier League soccer on Sundays and Mondays. Programming also includes Dutch, Scottish, Brazilian, Argentine, Chilean and German soccer matchups.
About United Soccer Leagues (USL)
Founded in 1986, USL is a youthful, authentic soccer entertainment experience, celebrated at the grassroots level. Providing access for personal interaction and family entertainment, USL is dedicated to developing the game of soccer in every community across North America. USL consists of two men’s professional leagues (A-League, 18 teams, and D3 Pro League, 18 teams), women’s "open" league (W-League, 34 teams), men’s amateur league (Premier Development League, 47 teams), youth league (Super Y-League, 341 teams) and national summer camps in 40 U.S. states and 4 Canadian provinces. Its official Web site, www.USLsoccer.com, provides visitors with the latest news, league standings, statistics and merchandising along with numerous interactive features to create a thriving community for its millions of soccer fans. Soccer giant UMBRO holds a majority share in USL.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
ERIC MICHALKO – MEDIA RELATIONS COORDINATOR
(416) 251-4625, ext. 25
MATT BASTA – SPORTSIO NORTH AMERICA
(305) 603-1109
Matt.Basta@sportsio.com
SCOTT MACLEOD – FOX SPORTS WORLD CANADA
(416) 446-5501
smacleod@primetv.ca
