SANTA CLARITA NEEDS WIN TO CLINCH PLAYOFF SPOT

Final two games at home on Wednesday and Sunday

Santa Clarita, Calif. (July 12, 2011) –Returning Sunday from a grueling six days of travel to Victoria, Vancouver and Seattle, the Santa Clarita Blue Heat will need one win over the course of the next two home games to finish out the regular season on top of the Western Conference. A loss to the LA Strikers on Wednesday would force the Blue Heat into a must-win situation against the third place Pali Blues on Sunday.

On the recent road trip, Santa Clarita tied the Victoria Highlanders on July 8 (2-2); overcame the Vancouver Whitecaps 2-1 on July 8, and sustained their first loss (1-0) to Seattle last Sunday. In both the Whitecaps and Sounders matches, Blue Heat players were shown red cards, forcing the team to play for 14 minutes (Whitecaps game) and 81 minutes (Sounders game) down a player. Defender Madison VanDine will sit out tomorrow’s game against the Strikers but midfielder Laura Dodd will be returning from her one game suspension.

“We had hoped to secure two wins on the road over the last three games in order to lock in our playoff position,” said Coach Fabian Sandoval. “Unfortunately, we sustained a few tough injuries and endured three 8-10 hour days of bus, ferry and car travel which I believe took its toll on our otherwise athletic team. Regardless, these players have tremendous talent, unity, sprit and motivation; and it is this approach to the game that has given them such a successful season thus far. Our staff and the community are incredibly proud of this team.”

The Blue Heat competes against the LA Strikers on Tuesday, July 13 at Canyon High School, 7:00 pm. On Sunday, July 17 at 7:00pm, Santa Clarita will finish out the remainder of the season against Pali Blues also at Canyon High School; 7:00 pm.

The Los Angeles Galaxy Street Team will be appearing at both remaining Blue Heat home games, with interactive activities and giveaways to warm up the Blue Heat fans.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for youth. For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit the SC Blue Heat website at www.scblueheat.com.