Carson, Calif. (May 17, 2012) – The Pali Blues took on the U-20 New Zealand Women’s National Team in a mid-week scrimmage at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. That ended in a 3-0 win for the Blues. This scrimmage was a chance for the Blues to continue to build as a team ahead of the second match of the W-League season against the Santa Clarita Blue Heat on Sunday, May 20.

“We’re getting better as a team,” said Blues head coach Charlie Naimo. “We had good possession and chances, and it was a good result.”

The opening goal of the match was scored in the first half by Ann Tangorra, who had a strong showing in the Blues opening game of the season against the LA Strikers on Sunday, and the score remained 1-0 for the Blues through the first 45 minutes.

It was until the second half that right back Elizabeth Eddy and midfielder Anisa Guajardo increased the lead to 3-0 with a goal each.

Besides being a preparation game, this scrimmage also presented an opportunity for two players to get playing time under their belts. Australian international Servet Uzunlar was able to play today after missing Sunday’s match with an injury, and goalkeeper Ryann Torrero kept the Blues safe between the pipes.

The Blues next match will be on the road at Valencia High School when they take on the Santa Clarita Blue Heat at 5 pm PT in W-League action. They will then play their first home game of the season against the LA Strikers on Wednesday, May 30 at 7 pm PT at Palisades High School.