The Pali Blues (8-0-3) clinched the W-League Western Conference title with a win over the Colorado Force (1-2-6) at home on Friday. After 90 minutes of physical play, the Blues emerged with the 3-0 win.

“Tonight was a great result against a very strong team,” observed Blues head coach Charlie Naimo. “I thought they were our toughest opponent last year and I still think they are a top team in this conference. We are happy that we are starting to find the back of the net.”

The Blues got off to a quick start. In the 4th minute, Mexican National Team forward Iris Mora received the pass from forward Lauren Cheney and chipped the ball over the reach of Force goalkeeper Maria Del Guercio for the early 1-0 lead. Then in the 15th minute, midfielder Nikki Washington drew a foul in the penalty area and her penalty kick found the back of the net to make the score 2-0.

The Blues again came out strong in the second half. In the 52nd minute, Mora found Washington towards the top of the penalty area and Washington’s shot bounced off a Force defender and into the net to increase the Blues lead to 3. Play became more physical towards the end of the game, but the Blues held on for the 3-0 win.

The Pali Blues will face the Seattle Sounders on Saturday July 18 at 6 pm at the Palisades High School Stadium-by-the-Sea in the final game of the regular season. Tickets for that game can be purchased by calling 310-264-4649 or by visiting www.bluessoccerclub.com.