Blues Race Past Rapids Women

Pali Blues News Release - www.bluessoccerclub.com

Friday, July 6, 2012

FULLERTON, CA – The Pali Blues dominated the Colorado Rapids Women in a match that ended 5-0 on a warm Friday afternoon at Titan Stadium on the campus of Cal State Fullerton. Sarah Huffman and Whitney Engen each scored one goal, and Lynn Williams added three goals, including one in stoppage time.

Huffman scored the opening goal of the day in the 28th minute when Mariah Nogueira flicked a ball her way. Huffman stretched her leg out to tap the ball in and start the Blues off.

Once they settled into the match, the Blues had the majority of the ball and the goals came pouring in.

Williams found herself accidentally scoring the first goal of her hat trick just three minute into the second half. She carried the ball down the right side of the field, and attempted a cross but her kick turned into a shot that ended up floating over Rapids goalkeeper Lauren Roberston and into the far inside netting.

In the 52nd minute, Rapids defender Scottie Culton earned a yellow card for a foul on Michele Pao, and the blues earned a free kick from good range. Huffman stepped up to take it and Engen found herself wide open at the back post to head the ball home and extend the lead to 3-0.

Williams scored her second goal off a corner kick taken by Huffman in the 60th minute. A Rapids defender made an attempt to clear the ball away, but the assistant referee signaled that the ball had fully crossed the line.

The last goal came in stoppage time when Anna Marie Tangorra received a pass in the midfield. Instead of taking a player on, she passed the ball to Williams who made a diagonal run and blasted a shot into the goal to make it 5-0.

The Pali Blues will next face the Colorado Rush on Sunday at noon PT at Titan Stadium. Abby Wambach will be honored at halftime ahead of the US Women’s National Team’s departure to London for the 2012 Olympics. For tickets visit bluessoccerclub.com/tickets or call 714-738-8011.