Tampa, Fla. (Friday, November 21, 2008)- The much-accomplished inaugural season of the Pali Blues Soccer Club reached its pinnacle in Tampa at the United Soccer Leagues Annual General Meeting tonight when the 2008 league champions were named the W-League Organization of the Year. Also honored at the annual awards banquet was team executive Kenzo Bergeron, who took home the W-League Key Grip of the Year plaque.

"Winning the Organization of the Year Award is something really special," Blues President of Operations Charlie Naimo responded to the announcement in Tampa. "Winning games on the pitch is pretty black-and-white because you rely on yourselves to get the right result. This award is something that is not in your own control, so it is rewarding to receive such an honor from the league."

Though 2008 may have been the inaugural season of the expansion Blues, the first-year club operated like a well-established organization. The Blues finished the W-League regular season with a perfect 12-0 record to capture the league regular season title and an automatic berth to the Final Four in Virginia Beach this past July. After a hard-fought 2-0 victory over the Washington Freedom in the semifinal round, the Blues rallied to a 2-1 win past FC Indiana to obtain the 2008 W-League crown.

"I am completely humbled by this award," Naimo continued. "I’d like to thank the ownership, staff and especially the players. Without the players, none of this would have been possible."

2008 marks the second time in his coaching career that Naimo has seen his team take home the W-League championship and Organization of the Year Award. He spearheaded the New Jersey Wildcats to that dynamic duo in 2004, but he insists that the accomplishments of this season stand alone in comparison.

"Every year is completely different," the two-time W-League Coach of the Year stated. "There are different emotions that go into it everytime, and that makes everytime special."

Also honored at the USL AGM was club executive Kenzo Bergeron, whose outstanding work over the past year led to his receiving W-League Key Grip of the Year honors.

"Kenzo is a selfless human being," Naimo remarked. "He works hard everyday of his life and always goes way beyond the call of duty. I can’t think of anyone that would be more deserving of the award."

The Blues return to the pitch for their sophomore campaign in the W-League this upcoming May. Stay tuned to the team website at www.bluessoccerclub.com for all of the latest information of the 2008 W-League champions.