Pali Blues News Release - www.bluessoccerclub.com
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
PACIFIC PALISADES, CA -- The Pali Blues Soccer Club announced today the addition of former Italian National Team striker and Serie A standout Ilaria Pasqui. Following international clearance, she is set the join the Pali Blues in their inaugural season in the USL W-League this summer.
“We are thrilled to add Ilaria to our pool of international players,” Blues head coach Charlie Naimo stated. “She is one of the top players in Italy and was very exciting to watch in the last European Championships. I can see her playing in various attacking roles for us, and she will be an important piece to the puzzle."
Pasqui began her career at Bologna before four strong seasons at Serie A power Verona, where she won a championship and a Coppa Italia. She was a regular on the Italian National Team under Carolina Morace, scoring a goal in the 2005 European Championships qualifying playoff against the Czech Republic. She also started all three games for Italy at the finals in England. Despite being only 25 years-old at the time, she retired from the national team after the tournament in 2005 to focus on her education. She has played the past three seasons with Serie A powerhouse Torino.
Pasqui brings the Pali Blues’ national team experience to four countries. In addition to the Italian National Team play of Pasqui, the Blues have players with international experience from the United States, Australia and Canada National Teams.
The Pali Blues Soccer Club opened their preseason slate this past Saturday with a 6-0 victory over USC. Next on tap is a friendly road contest with Cal State-Fullerton this Saturday at 11:00 a.m.
The Blues will play the first game of their inaugural USL W-League regular season on the road against the Ventura County Fusion on Saturday, May 10. The following weekend, the Blues will play their inaugural home contest at the “Stadium by the Sea” when they host the Los Angeles Legends on Saturday, May 17. Tickets for home match ups are only $10 for adults ($8 with student ID) and $5 for kids under the age of 12.
