Pali Blues Lose Heartbreaker to Ottawa in Finals

Some information previously reported by the Pali Blues Soccer Club:

The Ottawa Fury gave up a second-minute goal on Sunday to Pali Blues and then spent all of 88 minutes searching for the equalizer in the 2012 W-League Championship.

They found it at the death. Ottawa's Ashley Seal pounced on the rebound as Pali Blues goalkeeper Anna Maria Picarelli could only parry away Katrina-Lee Gorry’s free kick, and Seal made no mistake from close range, tying the game at 1-1 moments before the final whistle. After overtime, Ottawa goalkeeper Jasmine Phillips made two diving saves during the penalty kicks to lift the Fury to their first W-League title.

The Blues came into Sunday’s game searching for their third W-League title while the perennial power Fury were back in the championship game for the second consecutive season. For a full game recap, click here.

"Ottawa may have out worked us a shade for a spell in each half but we still managed to out shoot them 19-9," said Pali Blues Head Coach Charlie Naimo, reached earlier this week, noting the biggest difference was not having a healthy Lynn Williams. He said they were able to get 35 mins out of her and even at 70 percent  she was still able to turn the defense.

"There is no doubt in my mind we score more goals in the match had she been healthy," Naimo said. "Defensively we were good for 100 of the 120 minutes."

Had Pali won the match Mariah Nogueira would have been the game MVP, said Naimo, noting her strong performance. It was reportedly seconds before the final whistle when Naimo said Ottawa drew a foul and scored on the ensuing free kick off a rebound.

"It is heartbreaking to only have trailed for a total of 12 mins the entire season and go unbeaten again (shootouts are ties) and come home with silver," Naimo said

Pali Blues will have time to rebuild for the championship next year, he noted, said they have commitments from some of their very important players and have already been in contact with others that they've have had our eyes on.

Naimo received the Coach of the Year award in the Woman's League Honors, announced recently. Lynn Williams took home Rookie of the Year and Anna Maria Picarelli received Goalkeeper of the Year.

I would trade the Coach of the Year award in a heartbeat to buy back that last minute," Naimo added.