Blues Too Much For Rush

Pali Blues News Release - www.bluessoccerclub.com

Sunday, July 9, 2012

FULLERTON, CA – The Pali Blues (12-0-1) took their 12th win of the season on Sunday as they defeated the Colorado Rush (5-4-3) 2-0 on a warm afternoon at Titan Stadium in Fullerton. Lynn Williams scored the first goal of the match in the first half, and Sarah Huffman sealed the win with a late goal in the second half.

With one game left in the regular season, the Blues know who they will face in the Western Conference championship match: Seattle Sounders, who are seven points ahead of the Rush and have secured second place in the conference.

The Rush started the game pressing forward but couldn't make the breakthrough. The Blues came into the game and got on the scoreboard when Sarah Huffman stole the ball and passed to Williams who turned and blasted a shot from about 35 yards out. Rush goalkeeper Lauren Johnston was off her line and had no chance to save the blast.

The Blues settled into the match after the goal and saw most of the ball for the rest of the first half. The next big chance for Pali came in the 38th minute when Williams served a cross into the penalty area where Huffman and Danielle Hubka were running in. Hubka was there to settle it and take a shot that went just wide.

The teams headed into the locker rooms with the Blues up 1-0.

The Blues wasted no time trying to extend the lead in the second half. Five minutes in, captain Christie Shaner headed a ball wide of the goal, and moments later Williams tried to poke in a loose ball in the area but Johnston made a big save to keep it out.

In the 85th minute, second half substitute, Ann Tangorra hit a difficult cross from Williams towards the goal, but her shot went off the right post.

Huffman finally found the back of the net off a ball played into the penalty area by Elizabeth Eddy. Huffman came sliding in to knock the ball past Johnston who saw it bounce into the goal.

The Blues have secured a Western Conference title match, but will first have to stay focused on their last regular season match against the Seattle Sounders on Sunday, July 15 at Palisades High School. Fans can order tickets online at bluessoccerclub.com/tickets, or by calling 714-738-8011.