Pali Blues “Toss” Fusion Aside

The Pali Blues waited a day later to put on their own Fourth of July fireworks show, lighting up the visiting Ventura Fusion 4-0 last Sunday afternoon at Stadium by the Sea. Fans didn’t have to wait long for the first goal. Tobin Heath re-directed a pass from Iris Mora into the goal in the 33rd minute–just the cue the crowd needed to rain brightly-colored bears onto the running track for the club’s first-ever “Teddy Bear Toss.” The stuffed animals were donated to the Upward Bound House and the Elevate Hope Foundation. “Today was a great day,” Blues Head Coach Charlie Naimo said. “The performance on the field was very entertaining. The players really gave the fans a treat.” The defending W-League champion Blues (7-0-3) turned up the intensity in the second half and were rewarded with three goals against the Fusion (1-5-3). Then, in the 51st minute, Lauren Cheney made a well-timed pass to Nikki Washington, who beat goalie Kay Hawke for a 2-0 lead. Nine minutes later Kelley O’Hara got behind the defense for an easy goal. Mora applied the finishing touch to the one-sided contest in the 74th minute, kicking home a loose ball after Washington’s initial shot was blocked. “Outside the lines the operations were completely in line,” Naimo said, referring to the Blues’ noisy hometown fans and their spirited cheers. “I loved our new hooligans. They are the best I have seen in our league.” The Blues host the Colorado Force this Friday at 7 p.m. at Stadium by the Sea. For more information or to order tickets, call 310-264-4649.