Pali Blues Control Force

The Pali Blues, Pacific Palisades’ women’s club soccer team, defeated the Fort Collins Force, 2-0, Monday night to remain undefeated and move within one victory of clinching the W-League’s Western Conference crown. Monday’s game was an up-tempo, physical encounter in which the teams combined for 32 fouls. The Blues, however, held a territorial advantage and outshot the visiting Force, 17-5. They were finally rewarded in the 40th minute when newly-acquired India Trotter passed to Kara Kabellis, who curled a ball to Danesha Adams for a header and a 1-0 Blues lead. “It was not the prettiest game we’ve played but that’s to Fort Collins’ credit,” Blues Coach Charlie Naimo said. “Every once in awhile you have to roll up the sleeves and battle with a gritty team for a result. We did that and our goals are still intact.” A pair of substitutes produced the Blues’ second goal with 10 minutes left in the game. Ilaria Pasqui fed a streaking Leah Tapscott with a 40-yard crossing passs and Tapscott one-timed the ball underneath Force goalie Grace Harns. “Fort Collins was the hardest team we have played this year,” Naimo said. “I hope they can sneak into the playoffs because they are deserving.” Val Henderson earned her fourth shutout for the Blues, who have won their last four conference games by a combined score of 10-0. Adams, a former standout at UCLA, leads the Blues in scoring with five goals and three assists. Katy Cross has 11 points (five goals and one assist) and Rosa Anna Tantillo is third in scoring with four goals. The Blues (9-0-0) host the Seattle Sounders at 5 p.m. Saturday at Palisades High’s Stadium by the Sea.