View from the Pali, Volume 15: Blues Stand Tall Against Pacific Northwest's Best

A couple of important encounters awaited Jacob Tudela's Pali Blues these past few days. The end result was four out of a possible six points as they remained fourth in the USL W-League Western Conference (3-0-2, 11 points).

On Wednesday, Pali played host to the Vancouver Whitecaps at the Stadium by the Sea, on the campus of Pacific Palisades High School in Los Angeles, California.

Anisa Guajardo scored in the 44th minute for Pali, but the Blues were unable to hang on, conceding a 75th minute penalty for the Caps's Tina Romagnuolo en route to a 1-1 draw.

“It was a bit discouraging because the decision was made over a penalty kick,” Tudela told reporters following the match. “With that being said, I thought our girls played well for 70 minutes, and then we kind of let loose and got into some bad habits.

"But I’m very proud of the girls. I thought they showed that they can compete with anybody and at times showed that they are the best team in probably the league.”

Pali's Ashley Bowyer was responsible for conceding the penalty late in the second half.

“I was actually defending the girl, and she turned and stepped on my foot and then fell,” Bowyer said after the match. “But it happens. (There are) calls like that all the time.”

Better fortunes came calling for Pali Blues when they hosted the Seattle Sounders on Sunday.

Guajardo scored in the 28th minute off a Daniella Hubka delivery and was also responsible for setting up a Tiffany McCarty going in the 39th minute. Pali went on to win the match 2-0.

This weekend, Pali hits the road for a coule of important encounters in Colorado.

First, Pali Blues takes on the Colorado Force at Loveland Sports Park in Loveland, Colorado. Kickoff is scheduled for Thursday, June 9 at 6:00 p.m. PT/9:00 p.m. ET.

The Blues will then travel to Commerce City, Colorado to take on the Colorado Rush at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday, June 11 at 1:00 p.m. PT/4:00 p.m. ET.