Pacific Palisades, Calif. (Wednesday, July 9, 2008) – The Pali Blues Soccer Club (10-0-0) will close out their home slate this Thursday at 7:00 p.m. when they host the Real Colorado Cougars (3-1-2) at the Stadium by the Sea. After winning the Western Conference regular season title this past Saturday, the Blues now have the W-League regular season crown in their sights.
“Heading into these last two games, it is critical that we stay focused,” Blues head coach Charlie Naimo sternly noted. “The table is set for us to accomplish one of our goals, and we are well aware that NO game is easy. From here on out, every game is like the championship match."
The last time the Blues faced Real Colorado, forward Katy Cross led the Blues to a 5-1 victory after netting a first half hat trick. The Ivy-League graduate hit her third goal in only the 32nd minute of the contest. Her first tally came in just the second minute when she scored a feed from UCLA product Jill Oakes. After Nicole Lukens hit the equalizer for Real Colorado in the 7th minute, Cross put her team back on top by finishing a ball from Italian forward Ilaria Pasqui. She hit a solo strike in the 32nd minute to complete the first half scoring.
The second half would see the Blues play an inspiring 45 minutes of the beautiful game. After Kendall Fletcher was taken down in the box in the 66th minute, she capitalized by finding the back of the net on the ensuing penalty kick. Former Sun Devil Liz Bogus finalized the score in the 83rd minute when she struck a Rosie Tantillo ball.
“Real Colorado is a young team that is still in the playoff hunt, and we expect them to bring their ‘A’ game like everyone else does,” Naimo commented. “We will be prepared for the challenge."
Lukens and Cougar midfielder Kellyn Farrell lead Real Colorado with a pair of goals each. Goalkeeper Briana Schulze has recorded three wins and a shutout while Brian Haynes serves as the head coach of the second-year side.
After winning the Western Conference regular season crown this past Saturday, the Blues have secured a postseason berth in just their first season. The W-League playoffs will begin almost immediately following the conclusion of the regular season with a midweek divisional playoff round. The three Conference Championship Tournaments will be held from July 25-27, and the regular season W-League champion will automatically receive a berth in the W-League Semifinals. The W-League Championship Tournament will be held July 31 and August 2 in Virginia Beach, hosted by the Hampton Roads Piranhas.
Tickets for this home finale of the Pali Blues are only $10 for adults ($8 with student ID) and $5 for kids under the age of 12. Tickets can be purchased at the gate on the day of the game.
Stay tuned to the team website at www.bluessoccerclub.com for all updates regarding the Blues.
