Pali Blues News Release - www.bluessoccerclub.com
Friday, March 8, 2013
LOS ANGELES – The Pali Blues are pleased to welcome defender Satara Murray and forward Makenzy Doniak to the team for the 2013 W-League season. The players come from two of the Atlantic Coast Conference’s best programs in UNC and Virginia, respectively. Murray was one of the best players at the 2012 College Cup final in which she tallied a goal and an assist, while Doniak is coming off an impressive first year at Virginia where she finished the season second in points on the team. 
Murray is a defender who missed some matches in the beginning part of her freshman year due to injury, but became a key player toward the end of the season. By contrast, this past season she played a huge role for UNC, ending the season with an outstanding performance in the College Cup championship. She assisted the opening goal two minutes into the match, and then scored one of her own in the second half to secure UNC’s 22nd national title.
“I absolutely can't wait to live in California over the summer and to play with some of the best collegiate players,” Murray said. “I've tried this before playing for another team [Colorado Pride] and I completely enjoyed it. So I am really looking forward to playing with the Blues.”
Pali Blues head Coach Naimo talked about what Murray brings to the team.
“Having a strong team defensively is important to our philosophy,” he said. “Adding the defensive MVP of the College Cup is a step in repeating our performance from a year ago. Satara will add versatility, personality and athleticism to this year's team."
Doniak, from Chino Hills, Calif., was named an ACC All-American in 2012 after an impressive freshman season in which the Cavaliers took the conference championship. She finished the year second in points with 10 goals and eight assists while appearing in all 24 games. Doniak has also represented the USA with the U-18 and U-20 Women’s National Teams.
“I am very excited to play with the Blues in the summer,” she said from La Manga, Spain, where the U-20 WNT is competing in the 12 Nations Tournament. “I am expecting a very competitive environment that will help me improve as a player. I also look forward to playing with such great athletes fairly close to my home.”
Naimo shared his thoughts on acquiring Doniak.
“Signing Makenzy is a big deal for us," he said. “She was a top forward in the ACC this past season, and scoring more goals is a priority for us this year. She will impact that goal.”
The Blues will begin the quest for the third W-League championship at home when they host cross-town rival LA Strikers FC on May 18 at 7 p.m. at Palisades High School. Fans can learn more about the team, view the schedule, and purchase tickets at www.bluessoccerclub.com.