Pacific Palisades, Calif. (Friday, June 13, 2008) – The Pali Blues Soccer Club (5-0-0) face a real test this Sunday when they host the unbeaten Vancouver Whitecaps (4-0-2) for the top spot in the Western Conference. Kickoff for the contest is slated for 1:00 p.m. at the Stadium by the Sea.
“This weekend is big for us,” Blues head coach Charlie Naimo stated. “Vancouver is the best franchise in the league.”
The Blues are coming off a huge weekend in Colorado where they defeated the Fort Collins Force and the Real Colorado Cougars in three days. Forward Danesha Adams and defender Amy LePeilbet each scored a Leah Tapscott ball in a 2-1 win over the Force on Friday. Forward Katy Cross netted a first half hat trick to lead the Blues past the Cougars on Sunday, earning her an honorable mention on the W-League Team of the Week.
The Blues, ranked #5 in the world this past week by WomensWorldFootball.com, head into this weekend’s match-up as the top scoring offense in the Western Conference (3.8 goals per game). Nevertheless, Naimo remains focused only upon the task at hand.
“I have had the privilege of playing Vancouver a few times in the finals when I was a part of the Eastern Conference, and from that, I know they will be strong,” Naimo commented. “That being said, we have quality all around us here in Pali, and three points is the only goal for the weekend.”
The most recognizable name on the Vancouver roster is that of former U.S. National Team forward Tiffeny Milbrett. The two-time Olympic medalist (including Gold in the 1996 Atlanta Games) led the national team in goals en route to winning the 1999 FIFA World Cup, and she was also named the CONCACAF Offensive Player of the Year in 1999. Following the 2001 season, she was named the MVP of the WUSA while playing with the New York Power.
The Whitecaps have three players who have notched a pair of goals to share the lead in points for the team, and three goalkeepers have recorded wins for the club. Vancouver is led by head coach Bob Birarda.
Tickets for all home match-ups for the Blues are only $10 for adults ($8 with student ID) and $5 for kids under the age of 12.
Stay tuned to the team website at www.bluessoccerclub.com for all updates regarding the Blues.
