Pali Blues Win W-League Title

Heading into last week’s W-League playoffs, Pali Blues Coach Charlie Naimo had but one concern: how well his team would respond to adversity. The answer finally came in the waning moments of Saturday’s championship game, when the Blues rallied for two goals in eight minutes to edge FC Indiana, 2-1, at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex. The win capped a perfect season for the Blues (14-0-0) and the second league title for Naimo, who admitted being worried as the seconds ticked away late in the game. “Their coach Shek [Borkowski] did an excellent job tonight,” Naimo said. “He was able to take away our athleticism and we were really in trouble.” FC Indiana celebrated after appearing to score in the 30th minute when Lauren Sesselmann headed in a cross from Laura Del Rio, but the play was ruled offside and the goal disallowed. Pali goalie Val Henderson deflected a shot by Del Rio just before halftime to keep the game scoreless. Early in the second half, the Lionesses struck first when Jessica O?Rourke headed home a bending corner kick from Mexican international Fatima Leyva. It was the first deficit the Blues had faced since falling behind 1-0 to Cal State Northridge in their final exhibition game April 23. “We really struggled to make anything happen at the start of the second half so I switched from a 4-4-2 to a 3-4-3 formation to try and get some energy up top,” Naimo said. The Blues began applying more pressure and their aggression was rewarded in the 83rd minute when Rosie Tantillo sent a corner kick into the goal mouth. Amy LePeilbet outjumped two defenders for the ball and re-directed it past FC Indiana keeper Kristen Luckenbill for the tying goal. Suddenly, the momentum had swung to the Blues and it took just five minutes for them to tally the go-ahead goal. Kandace Wilson, a defender moved up for attack, crossed to Italian international Ilaria Pasqui, whose diving header found the back of the net. Naimo credited his team’s depth: “Our depth was a huge reason why we won this game,” said Naimo. “Our bench gave us the energy we needed and helped put us on top.” Though the Lionesses pressed for the equalizing goal they were unable to score. Amy LePeilbet, who anchored Pali’s defense all season, was named Most Valuable Player. Many Blues players will likely try to play for an emerging women’s pro league, making next year’s roster uncertain. For now, though, Naimo and his players are savoring sweet victory. “We’re very proud to bring a championship back home to the Palisades,” Naimo said. “That was our goal right from the start and it feels good to have accomplished what we set out to do.”