Pacific Palisades, Calif. (Saturday, July 26, 2008) – The USL W-League announced their All-Conference teams, and five members of the Pali Blues Soccer Club got the nod to the Western Conference squad. Blues goalkeeper Val Henderson was also honored for her league-leading 0.142 goals against average when the announcement came from the USL offices in Tampa.
In addition to Henderson, other Blues players receiving All-Conference accolades include defenders Kendall Fletcher and Amy LePeilbet, midfielder Jill Oakes and forward Danesha Adams. It marks the second time that Fletcher (2004), LePeilbet (2005) and Oakes (2007) have received the honor.
"I am proud of the fact the we placed five players on the All-Conference team," Blues head coach Charlie Naimo commented. "No matter how well the team does, it is not everyday you see representation like that. All credit has to go to the consistency of our TEAM. There are so many great players, and on a given day, anyone can be our standout performer(s). I am especially thrilled for our backs; they are all pros in my opinion and have been rock solid all year. In our 27 games (dating back to the Silver Mug Tournament), I think they have posted 22 shutouts."
Henderson tallied 26 saves in seven matches this season. The UCLA product gave up a single goal this year, recording shutouts in six contests. Fletcher registered eight points via three goals and a pair of assists, and she served as the leader of a talented crew of backs for the Blues. LePeilbet played every second for the Blues this season, scoring two goals and setting up another in 1080 minutes of action. Oakes also played every minute of the 12-game schedule, and she led the Blues with four assists this year. The UCLA graduate added a goal to her season statistics as well for a total of six points. Adams, the Blues leader in goals and points, tallied 15 points on six goals and a trio of helpers.
The five players named to the All-Conference Team were more than any other side in the W-League.
After winning the regular season title, the Blues received an automatic berth into the W-League Semifinals in Virginia Beach this Thursday. The three Conference Championship Tournaments will conclude this Sunday to determine who will be joining the Blues in Virginia, and the W-League championship game will be played next Saturday.
"Awards are great, but I know every player would trade them in for two more wins," Naimo stated. "We are extremely focused right now. Over the years, I have seen my teams enter the post season bruised and battered, and I have seen some of my teams go in singing. We are in a good way right now- happy, healthy and playing well. All the teams that will join us in Virginia are special, and the only thing I can guarantee is women’s soccer at its absolute best. It has been a long season, and we have become a family. Our kids want to end on top, and as a staff, we will do our best to help them achieve their lone remaining goal of the ‘08 season."
Stay tuned to the team website at www.bluessoccerclub.com for all playoff updates and other news regarding the Blues.
