Uzunlar Scores Game-Winner Against Santa Clarita Blue Heat

Pacific Palisades, Calif. – The Pali Blues won the second meeting between the visiting Santa Clarita Blue Heat on Saturday, June 2 by a score of 1-0. After 90 hard-fought minutes, it was Australian international Servet Uzunlar scoring the game-winning goal in stoppage time give Pali its fourth win of the 2012 W-League season.

The Pali Blues had an eventful first half with their first opportunity coming in the 5th minute of the match. Forward Anne Marie Tangorra was able to loop a shot with her back to goal, only to be denied by the crossbar.

Their next chance came in the 23rd minute of play when midfielder Sarah Huffman played a through ball to Tangorra, who then flicked it back to Huffman with her heel, but Huffman’s shot was saved by Blue Heat goalkeeper Cynthia Jacobo.

The Blues had two more significant chances to score but Jacobo kept the Blue Heat scoreless, until the half time break.

The second half turned into a battle with both teams committing numerous fouls, and failing to create legitimate opportunities to score. As time passed, it seemed the game would end in a scoreless tie, but the Blues wouldn’t give up, finding their goal in stoppage time.

A ball was played up the field for Liz Bogus, who headed it towards goal, but Jacobo reacted quickly to stop it, but Bogus kept the ball alive by kicking it back to the top of the six-yard box where Uzunlar was waiting. Her shot beat Jacobo and the crowd erupted with joy. Seconds later, the referee blew the final whistle and the Blues took another three points, and sole possession of first place in the Western Conference table.

The Blues will play against the Victoria Highlanders on Wednesday, June 6, against the Victoria Highlanders at 7 p.m. PT at Palisades High School before traveling to Colorado to take on the Rapids and Rush. Tickets are available at paliblues.ticketfly.com, or at the gate on game day.