Pali Blues News Release - www.bluessoccerclub.com

Friday, April 11, 2008

PACIFIC PALISADES, CA -- The Pali Blues Soccer Club announced the additions of defender Erin Hardy and forward Mele French. The acquisitions become official just two days after the Blues defeated the U.S. Women’s U-20 National Team by a score of 4-2 at The Home Depot Center.

Hardy brings to the Blues experience with both the U.S U-21 and U-20 National Teams. The Costa Mesa, California native graduated from Newport Harbor High School and was selected team MVP following her senior season in 2002. She entertained a ten-year club career with the Southern California Blues, winning league championships in both 2001 and 2002. She proceeded to play her college soccer at UCLA and helped anchor a defense that reached the 2005 NCAA championship game.

"Erin is a fantastic defender, and she will provide us with another speedy option at the back if we continue to play with three,” Blues head coach Charlie Naimo stated. “Aside from being very strong defensively, Erin is confident with the ball under pressure and fits in very well with our style of play. She also brings a winning tradition to our program."

French is a goal-scoring forward that was raised in Mililani, Hawaii. She was selected as the Hawaii Co-Player of the Year after leading her team to a state championship during her senior year of high school. After choosing the University of Oregon as her collegiate destination, she entertained a successful playing career for the Ducks. She finished her time there with 82 shots, eight goals, three assists, 19 points and two game-winning goals. Her eight goals are tied for seventh all-time in the Oregon record books.

“Mele is a very strong, agile and technical player that will be a great option for us up top,” Naimo commented. “She was a big part of our success in the Silver Mug event, and she also has had international experience playing with Abner Rogers on the U.S. Amateur National Team."

Next on tap for the Blues is a preseason home contest with UCLA at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16. 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.