Monday, July 13, 2010
Coming into the 2010 season, there was one certainty: The Pali Blues did not know the meaning of the word “lose”. In their first two seasons of existence, they became back-to-back champions of the USL W-League, without suffering a single loss. 2010 appeared to be another undefeated season. The Blues even got off to a positive start with a hard fought 1-0 win in the 89th minute on opening night. Though if that match was any indicator, it was going to be a long and hard season. And if supporting our US Men’s National team this past month hasn’t been enough to get heart rates up and blood pumping, then certainly the 2010 Pali Blues season has pushed fans to the brink.
Following that win on opening night to the Santa Clarita Blue Heat, the Pali Blues departed on a two-match away trip in Colorado. Up first was the Colorado Force in which the Blues disposed of the competition by a score of 3-1. Unfortunately, it would be the last win of the season to date. The following match against the Colorado Rush would have ended in a loss, if not for the last second heroics of the Pali Blues. Final score: 2-2.
Match date 4 of the season had a similar outcome, as the Seattle Sounders paid a visit to the Stadium by the sea. In what could only be called a recreation of Steven Gerard’s goal against the United States at the World Cup, Tafara Pulse scored for Seattle just five minutes into the match. And while Seattle’s goalkeeper, Katie Hultin did not endure any Rob Green type howlers; she did eventually give up the tying goal to Danielle Toney in the 87th minute. It was the Pali Blues first ever-home draw. Two days later the Vancouver Whitecaps came to town. That’s when it hit the fan.
Those in attendance at the Stadium by the sea were in for quite the night. Following a first half that saw both teams score goals a minute apart, USL W-League history was made as the second half came to a close. Despite having the lead on shots and corners taken, the Pali Blues endured their first ever loss in team history. Final score: Vancouver 2, Pali Blues 1.
Embarking on their second road trip of the season, the Blues looked to move on a less than stellar home stand. Stops in Seattle and Vancouver presented the team with opportunities at redemption. Unfortunately, redemption was not on the cards. The Blues buried themselves 3-0 to Seattle before Lauren Fowlkes’s late consolation goal. Despite taking a lead on Vancouver 13 minutes into that respective contest, a Pali Blues own goal five minutes later derailed their efforts as they went on to give up two more unanswered goals. With three minutes to go in regulation, the Blues were able to pull one back courtesy of Mariah Nogueira. But the Whitecaps were able to hold on for the win.
The Blues returned to the friendly confines of the Stadium by the sea to take on the Colorado Force. Trying to shake off the demons of the last three matches, the Blues took the lead in the second half thanks to a strike by Japanese international Hikari Nakade in the 64th minute. With three minutes to go in regulation however, the Force scored the equalizer to rip victory away from the Blues players and fans alike. Giving up late goal is never a good thing. Losing the derby to the cross-town rival is just as bad. Losing to that team despite having a 19-2 edge on shots taken is even worse. That was the fate that awaited the Pali Blues, as they made the 40-mile journey north to Santa Clarita to take on the Blue Heat. As the first half came to an end on July 5th, so did the sanity of many Blues faithful. Legendary Mexican forward (and one time coach) Hugo Sanchez put it best “the best team doesn’t always win”. And the stats sheet proved it. But stat sheets do not win soccer matches. Goals scored do. Final score: Santa Clarita Blue Heat 1, Pali Blues 0. Soccer is a cruel sport. Just ask Ghana.
With one match to go this season, no one can blame the fans, players and coaching staff for being on pins and needles. Yet despite the long odds for success this year (and pardon this staff member for channeling his inner Lloyd Christmas) there’s still a chance to make the playoffs. A few pieces have to fall into place, but it’s possible. For starters, in order for the Pali Blues to reach their third consecutive post season, they must defeat the Colorado Force. Once that result falls into place, the Santa Clarita Blue Heat must not lose their match against the Colorado Rush. When that is said and done, the Vancouver Whitecaps have to defeat the Seattle Sounders. Once all three scenarios are set, the Pali Blues are ready to challenge for their third consecutive USL W-League championship.
