Pacific Palisades, Calif. (Monday, June 30, 2008) - The Pali Blues Soccer Club (9-0-0) continued their unbeaten run on Monday night, fighting off a determined Fort Collins Force (3-4-2) for a 2-0 victory at the Stadium by the Sea. With the result, the Pali Blues are just one win away from taking the regular season crown in the Western Conference.
"On behalf of our team, it was not the prettiest soccer we have played of late, but I think that has to go to Fort Collins’ credit," Blues head coach Charlie Naimo stated. "Our kids put in the work, more so in the second half, and it clearly showed. Every once in a while, you have to roll up the sleeves and battle with a gritty team for a result. We did it to get our 9th win tonight, and our goals are still in tact."
It was a very physical match that saw 32 fouls (18 on the visitors) on Monday night. Offensively, the Blues outshot the Force 17-5 in the contest. Fort Collins came out like a team that needed three points to stay in the playoff race, and the Blues weathered the storm early on before taking control of the game. It was not until the 40th minute when the Blues would get on the board. The first goal of the game came from some good possession that found forward India Trotter on the left side of the field. Once receiving the ball, she dribbled past a few Force players before changing the point of attack to a well-positioned Kara Kabellis, who whipped in a curling ball to forward Danesha Adams. Adams just got her head in front of the keepers hands to nod in her sixth goal of the season.
In the second half, the Blues controlled the majority of the play, as they had to deal with a few dangerous counter attacks led by Force striker Katie Eriksson. As the game was nearing the end, the feeling of a second goal to seal the victory was imminent. In the 80th minute, it was two second half substitutes that would deliver the blow. Forward Ilaria Pasqui would receive the ball on a counter from her defensive half and race up-field. As Pasqui was running with the ball at pace, she took a peak and saw a streaking Leah Tapscott and delivered a perfect 40-yard diagonal ball, beating the back line. Tapscott would not waste it as she slotted a first time ball underneath Force keeper Grace Harns. Goalkeeper Val Henderson took the win in net for the Blues.
"Fort Collins was the hardest team we have played all year," Naimo continued. "They played like winners from start to finish in both matches we saw them this season. Based on what I have seen and the statistics, they have had some unlucky results and deserve a postseason. Although I would not want to come up against them to get to the Final Four, I hope they can sneak in... they are deserving."
The Blues will remain at home this week, next hosting the Seattle Sounders (1-2-4) at the Stadium by the Sea this Saturday at 5:00 p.m. 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. 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.
