PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. - The Pacific Palisades learned today that they will have a brand new franchise to support starting in 2008. California businessmen and soccer fanatics Ali Mansouri and Rudi Bianchi announced today that they have secured the rights to the newest organization in the USL W-League, the Pali Blues.

“We have always been impressed by the high level of support and participation in women’s soccer among the Palisades residents,” Mansouri commented. “We have always been interested in bringing a professional team to the area, and now our dream has been fulfilled.”

Mansouri, a former college soccer player at Ohio University, has lived in the Pacific Palisades since 1999. He serves as the President and Executive Director of the Los Angeles Blues Soccer Club, Inc. Bianchi was born in Italy, and he has lived in the Pacific Palisades since 1985. The Milan native has seen a lifetime of success in soccer at both the playing and coaching level. He has also served in many organizational and management positions in the world of soccer, including his serving on the organizing committee for the 1994 FIFA World Cup. The Pali Blues will be the third franchise the two proprietors operate under the L.A. Blues Soccer Club banner.

Also announced today was the hiring of Kenzo Bergeron to the position of Director of Operations. In addition to experience, Bergeron brings a sincere passion and respect for the women’s game to the Pali Blues.

“For too long, highly talented female soccer players have not had a professional venue to demonstrate their talents,” Bergeron stated. “Now they will have a home to play among the world’s best soccer talents.”

Bergeron grew up in the western Los Angeles are and has coached soccer for over ten years. He is currently the director of a local soccer camp and coaches the Crossroads School Girls’ Varsity soccer team.

“I believe that the Pali Blues Soccer Club has great potential to succeed in the Palisades, which is why we chose this area as a home site,” Bergeron continued. “I believe that the Palisades will welcome our club and players. The formation of this club is exciting, and I know that we will stand out as one of the best women’s soccer organizations in the country.”

The USL W-League played its inaugural season in 1995, and it is recognized as the premiere development league for female players in North America. The schedule is set to open next May and commence in August. The Pali Blues have secured the newly-renovated Palisades High School field as their home venue in their inaugural 2008 season.