June 17, 2002
TORONTO, ON—In a move that had been anticipated by the Toronto Lynx for some time now, the organization officially announced today that defender Marco Reda has signed a contract to play overseas in Norway with Sogndal for the remainder of the season. Sogndal also has the option to sign Reda for the 2003 season.
Through 11 games this season Sogndal sports a record of 2-7-2 and currently sits 12th in the 14-team Tippeligan league.
In late May, the 24-year-old defender left for Sogndal on a trial with the First Division club who were looking to fill a void left by their central defender who broke his leg earlier in the season.
While Reda was a bit nervous before the trials, the former team captain knew he had the talent to compete overseas. “I was pretty confident that I could step in and make a contribution to the team”, said Reda. “The league is certainly very strong. It’s comparable to the MLS (Major League Soccer) except that it is a bit more physical”.
After watching the Canadian practice with the club, Sogndal coach Torbjorn Glomnes was very pleased with the defender’s strength, poise and decision making. After a week and a half of evaluating his play the coach was thoroughly impressed with Reda’s abilities and offered the defender his first overseas contract.
Reda leaves the Lynx having played a total of 79 games for the club over five seasons and was named the team’s top defensive player in 1999. A defensive defender, Reda never recorded a point for Toronto but his true value to the organization was always measured in statistics that could not be found on the score sheet.
A leader on and off the field, the native of Woodbridge, Ontario was named captain of the Lynx prior to the 2000 season. In the club’s first season under his leadership, Toronto had its best season ever as it advanced all they way to the Eastern Conference Finals.
"I would definitely like to thank the Toronto Lynx for all my great years with the club”, said Reda. “Coach Peter Pinizzotto has been very loyal to me and has been a big part in my success. I also want to thank Nicole and Bruno Hartrell for all their efforts in keeping this team alive. Without them this opportunity may have never come about”.
The Lynx defender now joins past club stars Dwayne DeRosario, Paul Stalteri, Pat Onstand and Chris Pozniak as elite players who have used the Toronto and the A-League as a vehicle to showcase the growing talent in Canadian soccer to clubs overseas.
The news of Reda’s signing was a bittersweet one for coaches and teammates who are delighted to see the defender get his big break but sad to see him leave Toronto.
“This is a great opportunity for Marco”, said head coach Peter Pinizzotto. “As a coach you wish that our top Canadian players don’t always have to go overseas to advance their careers. But Marco has worked hard and earned this chance. We wish him the best of luck”.
“It’s tough to see Marco go”, said goaltender Theo Zagar, who inherited the team’s captaincy when it became apparent that Reda’s days with the organization were numbered. “Marco Reda is not only a great player but he is also a great teammate and a great friend as well. Sogndal is lucky to get a player like Marco. I’ve known Marco since we were both rookies with the Lynx in 98’ and it will be strange not having him around now. I know I speak for everyone when I say that we wish Marco all the best with Sodgnal”.
Marco Reda
Career A-League Statistics
Regular Season
TEAM GP MIN GLS AST PTS SHT FLS CAU EJT
2002 TOR 6 565 0 0 0 1 10 3 0
2001 TOR 25 2335 0 0 0 11 26 6 0
2000 TOR 20 1642 0 0 0 1 13 2 1
1999 TOR 18 1628 0 0 0 8 18 2 1
1998 TOR 5 367 0 0 0 1 7 0 0
Total 74 6537 0 0 0 22 74 13 2
Playoffs
TEAM GP MIN GLS AST PTS SHT FLS CAU EJT2000 TOR 5 450 0 0 0 0 5 0 0
