The second season of Women’s Professional Soccer kicked off last week and no game showcased players from the Pali Blues Soccer Club like Sunday’s match between St. Louis Athletica and FC Gold Pride. Backing up goalie Hope Solo on the bench for the Athletica was 2009 Blues keeper Ashlyn Harris. Representing the Class of 2008, Kendall Fletcher played all 90 minutes to help St. Louis win 2-0. India Trotter, also from the Class of 2008, came off the bench in the second half and played the final 22 minutes. On the opposite side of the pitch, Class of 2009 alums and Stanford teammates Ali Riley and Kelley O’Hara played the whole game for FC Gold Pride. Kandace Wilson (a veteran from the 2008 campaign) entered as a substitute early in the 30th minute. This year’s No. 1 draft pick, Tobin Heath, made her first professional start for the Atlanta Beat, which played the Philadelphia Independence to a scoreless draw. Heath got subbed out at stoppage time in the second half. Independence players Danesha Adams and Valerie Henderson watching from the bench. Lauren Cheney (who scored her first professional goal) and Amy LePeilbet were victorious as the Boston Breakers held off the Washington Freedom, 2-1. Meeting on opposite sides of the field, Sky Blue FC goalie Karen Bardsley recorded a shutout over Whitney Engen and the Chicago Red Stars. Jill Oakes (Class of 2008) was released by Chicago after mutual agreement before the start of preseason camp. Oakes had announced that she is expecting her first child later this year. “It’s such a miraculous blessing to be able to have a child, and it empowers me and my choice, to follow my path and embrace it,” Oakes said in a statement on the team Web site. “We’re excited about our growing family. It is hitting me as all of my colleagues are gearing up for the season that I won’t be with them. It’s a transitional struggle with that piece missing. But I intend to return and be an ambassador of WPS and the success of women’s sports.” * * * * The Pali Blues continue to shore up their roster, signing three more players for their run at a third straight W-League championship. Midfielders Chelsea Cline (UCLA) and Ali Hawkins (North Carolina) and defender Cami Levin (Stanford) will join the club this summer. Levin was also a member of the Blues’ 2008 championship squad. “We are pleased to add three more players of this caliber,” Pali Blues Coach Charlie Naimo said. “Each has unique qualities and will strengthen us in various parts on the field.” The Pali Blues open the season Saturday, May 22, against the expansion Santa Clarita Blue Heat at Palisades High’s Stadium by the Sea. Season tickets are available now at www.bluessoccerclub.com.
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