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Blue Heat forward Cherelle Khassal (left) puts the ball past Pali Blues goalkeeper Katie Frame on Monday at Valencia High School. Photo: Debby von Winckelmann
The Santa Clarita Blue Heat women’s soccer team sure knows how to make the most of an opportunity.
Taking just one shot on goal in their game Monday night against the defending United Soccer Leagues' W-League national champion PaIi Blues, the Blue Heat pulled out a 1-0 win at Valencia High School.
Cherelle Khassal scored in the 42nd minute on a pass from Ambree Ako to give the Blue Heat their second straight win.
“We know we’re limited on opportunities for goals, so we have to take advantage every time,” said Blue Heat head coach Eduardo Zatarain.
Khassal, a member of Ireland’s Under-19 National Team, has scored all four of the team’s goals in league play this season.
“She’s the smallest player that we have out there, but she has the biggest heart,” Zatarain said.
Blue Heat forward Ambree Ako (center) had the assist on the game's only goal. Photo: Debby von Winckelmann
For the Pali Blues (2-4-3) who went undefeated for32 straight games, it’s the team’s fourth loss this season, described by head coach Charlie Naimo as a “bizarre, bizarre year for us.
"There’s a black cloud over the Blues this year,” Naimo said.
The Blues took 19 shots in the game, while the Blue Heat (2-4-1) took just two shots. Pali also took eight corner kicks to just one by the Blue Heat.
Despite controlling possession for the majority of the game, the Blues simply couldn’t finish and it was one mistake that led to the loss, Naimo said.
“We’re not allowed to make mistakes. Every time we make a mistake, we get punished. We made one mistake on the counter attack and gave them a goal,” Naimo said.
Blue Heat defender Brooke Beeson (second from left) heads the ball out of danger. Photo: Debby von Winckelmann
Blue Heat goalkeeper Erin Frushon was a key factor for her team, making 11 saves in the game.
Charney Burk took seven shots for the Pali Blues, followed by Sara Gama, Emi Yamamoto, and Hikari Nakade each took three shots.
“That’s just been the story of our season in all honesty,” said Pali Blues defender Christie Shaner. “We’ve had so many games where we just dominated the play and we haven’t been able to find the back of the net.”
Shannon Omahen, who took the only other shot for the Blue Heat, said the team’s first-ever win on Saturday against the Colorado Force helped the team to become closer.
“I think we have a good chance to finish off the season with a bang,” Omahen said.
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