Blues Repeat as W-League Champs

In a championship game eerily similar to last year’s final, the score was the same and so was the outcome–a 2-1 victory for the Pali Blues, who were able to defend their W-League crown on Friday night at the Maryland SoccerPlex. The Blues held off a spirited Washington Freedom side to improve to 26-0-3 in their first two seasons and net Coach Charlie Naimo his third W-League title in four trips to the finals. He won with the New Jersey Wildcats in 2005. “It feels so good to have two undefeated seasons, and I am so happy for our girls,” Naimo said. “It’s such a fantastic feeling, and you couldn’t ask for any more effort than what has been given by this team all year.” Mexican national team star Iris Mora tallied the game-winner in the 86th minute off of a cross from Kirsty Yallop and the Blues held off a furious Freedom charge in the final seconds. Mora was named the finals MVP after scoring the decisive goal and bending a corner kick into the penalty area for Kendall Billingsley’s tying goal in the 37th minute. Blues defender Jenny Anderson-Hammond cleared a ball away at the goal line in the second minute but the home team struck first 11 minutes later. A foul gave the Freedom a free kick from just outside the 18-yard box and midfielder Sandra Matute’s perfect strike curved around Pali’s defensive wall and into the net for a 1-0 lead. “No shock, she’s been getting it done all season,” Naimo said of Mora. “Last week she had a goal and two assists in the semifinal. She’s found a way to get a point in every single game and it’s no surprise to me. Iris was the one I envisioned pulling us through this one and she did.” While his players can take a well-deserved rest, Naimo’s work is only half done. He also serves as general manager for the Blues’ sister club, the L.A. Sol of Women’s Professional Soccer. The Sol have secured a spot in that league’s inaugural championship game next Saturday, August 22. Friday night’s game was televised live on Fox Soccer Channel and Blues General Manager Jason Lemire organized viewing parties at Mogan’s Caf’ on Palisades Drive and Barney’s Beanery in Santa Monica. The Blues became the third club in W-League history to claim back-to-back championships, joining the Raleigh Wings (1998-99) and Boston Renegades (2001-02).