The countdown to the 2010 Pali Blues season officially began tonight as the Blues played their final warm up match of the pre season against the USL W-League newcomers the Santa Clarita Blue Heat. In front of a raucous crowd featuring the Palisades HS award-winning marching band and Blues stalwarts The Tony Danza Army, the home team gave its fans a sneak peek of what awaits them and their opponents this season at the Stadium-by-the-sea.
Emerging victorious by a score of 3-1, the Pali Blues jumped out in front in the 36th minute following a strike from Japanese international Hikari Takade that found the upper 90. Despite the offensive onslaught by the Blues, Santa Clarita was able to keep the damage to a minimum courtesy of a strong outing by Blue Heat GK Erin Forshin.
The second half began as the first did with the Blues dictating the pace of the match. A brave Blue Heat defense kept their opponents at bay, until Ali Hawkins scored the second tally for the locals with a close range effort inside the box. Not to be run off the pitch without a fight though, Santa Clarita clawed back shortly after.
With the score line 2-1 and the result still in the balance, Player of the Match Janice Cayman slotted her second assist of the night with a deft pass to the top of the Blue Heat box where an onrushing Leanne Champ slammed home a one-time blast and put the game to bed.
As this was a pre-season affair, subs were a plenty with both Adelaide and Chantel Stainford between the posts. In the end it was another quality result for the back-to-back champions, and certainly impressive given the team’s limited time together.
Finally, the marquee event of the night took place during halftime as throngs of kids took to the field to participate the Pali Blues Guinness World Record attempt for juggling most soccer balls in a single stadium. The record of 627 people was certainly challenged as passionate soccer fans from all over Southern California converged in the Palisades. Hundreds of balls collected after the record attempt were prepped for donation to a handful of worthy causes including LA’s celebrated children and family non-profit Para los Niños (PNL) and international charity Balls Without Borders.
In attendance were over 100+ kids and family members from PLN, whose tickets, transportation and dinner were donated buy a generous grant from the Community Team Works program. The Balls Without Borders team was joined by esteemed members of the South African Consulate in honor of the organization sending its allotment of soccer balls to the Nelson Mandela MaAfrika Tikkun orphanages in Johannesburg. In all over 400 soccer balls were collected, spreading the joy of the beautiful game to kids who need it most. For more on Balls Without Borders and Para los Niños soccer fans can visit www.beat627.com and click on “Meet the Kids.”
The Blues officially start their 2010 USL W-League campaign on Saturday June 5 at 5PM when they once again host the Santa Clarita Blue Heat.
