View From The Pali, Volume Three: Toney Brace Takes Force Out Of Colorado

Charlie Naimo's Pali Blues hit the road for the very first time this season on Thursday to face Craig Deacon's Colorado Force at Loveland Sports Park before a crowd of 475.

In the end, it was more of the same, as Pali pounded Colorado 3-1.

A tentative first half, which saw Colorado up the ante late, gave way to a second half of intense action. But it was not without its opportunities and close calls.

A blistering free kick from 20 yard out by Colorado midfielder Lisa Kosena made it 1-0 Force early in the contest.

"Over the years the Colorado Force teams have always presented us with such a physical challenge," said Blues' head coach Charlie Naimo. "They certainly outworked us in every position in the first half."

Pali outshot Colorado 14-10, and Force goalkeeper Lauren "Taz" Robertson was on alert, making seven saves for the home side including a spectacular punchout of a volley by Charney Burk in the 29th minute of play.

In the second half, however, the Blues showed everyone in attendance wearing the red of Colorado why they were the team to beat in the W-League then and are still the team to beat now.

In the 65th minute, Ali Hawkins equalized with a sensational bicycle kick inside the six-yard box to make it 1-1. The tide began to turn.

In the 73rd minute, forward Dani Toney broke loose for her first goal of the season. A former Penn State Nittany Lion and current U.S. Under-23 Women's National Team member, Toney streaked down the left side of the field and exploited the open space given up by the Force defense to tap one over the reach of Robertson.

Just for good measure, Toney completed her brace in the 83rd minute by making Colorado pay for a turnover given up just 35 yards from goal.

Moving down the right side of the Force's defending third, her clinical finish into the lower left corner of the goal put the game out of reach.

With the win, Pali is now 2-0-0 and will continue their 2010 W-League campaign on Saturday, June 12 against the Colorado Rush.

Kickoff at Valor Christian High School in Highlands Ranch, Colorado is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. PT.

Next Issue: Volume Four, June 13, 2010

(Photo courtesey of Penn State Sports Information)