PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. (Wednesday, January 9, 2008)- The Pali Blues Soccer Club announced today that Manya Makoski will be joining the team for their inaugural season in the USL W-League. The Arizona State alumna who has achieved much international success figures to be a staple for the expansion franchise.
“Manya is a very exciting player with great quickness and versatility,” Blues head coach Charlie Naimo, who previously coached Makoski with the New Jersey Wildcats remarked. “She has the qualities to be one of the best wide midfielders in the league and can cause tremendous problems for the opposition up top.”
Makoski is a 2006 graduate of Arizona State University, and she has competed internationally at various levels of the U.S. national team. She recently helped the U.S. U-23 national team to the Nordic Cup championship in Germany. She was a member of the 2002 U-19 World Cup team that won the FIFA World Championship, and she also played with the U.S. U-21 national team.
“I am very grateful and excited to be playing for the Blues in addition to being again coached by Charlie Naimo,” Makoski commented. “I want to become a better and more effective player, and I want to help my teammates achieve similar goals.”
Makoski was a four-year standout for the Sun Devils, earning All-Pac 10 accolades each year. She tallied 24 goals and 22 assists for 70 points during her collegiate career. She was also the 2002 Gatorade High School Player of the Year in Connecticut and was named the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association Player of the Year, NSCAA/ adidas state Player of the Year and Parade All-America in 2001. She also led Trumbull High School to three state championships (1998, 1999, 2001).
“Everyone within the Blues organization has put such a great effort into this so far, and I know it will continue throughout the season,” Makoski continued. “I am eagerly looking forward to the first time I step onto the field as a member of the Pali Blues.”
The Pali Blues are set to make their W-League debut this summer. All updates regarding the team will be released through the team website at www.bluessoccerclub.com.
