Former USC Stars Will Play in Women's Inaugural Match

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Former USC stars will play in women's inaugural match

By Joe Curley Saturday, May 10, 2008

Defender Kasey Johnson and midfielder Megan Ohai have both been cleared to take part in the Ventura County Fusion women soccer team's inaugural match in the W-League today.

Both played for national champion USC last fall.

The Fusion will host fellow newcomer Pali Blues at 5 p.m. at Buena High in the first of four doubleheaders this summer with the Fusion men.

The Blues, constructed by head coach Charlie Naimo who coached the New Jersey Wildcats to the 2005 W-League title, match some of the top young American players, including Danesha Adams (UCLA) and Kendell Fletcher (North Carolina), with internationals like Sasha Andrews (Canada), Sarah Walsh (Australia) and Ilaria Pasqui (Italy).

"We're very excited," said Fusion general manager Ranbir Shergill. "It's going to be another historic day, with the highest level of women's soccer coming to Ventura.

"It's going to be a tough task, but this is what it's about. It's an opportunity for the crowd to see some exciting players."

The Fusion could give debuts to several local products, including defender Ali Avina (Ventura), fullback Tenley Garcia (Oxnard), midfielder Sarah Stolz (Ojai), winger Kylie McDonald (Westlake Village) and forward Jen Lilley (Thousand Oaks).

Men get boost up front: Former Rio Mesa High and UC Santa Barbara striker Jaime Ambriz is set to make his first start in a Ventura County Fusion shirt tonight as the men take on the San Fernando Valley Quakes.

The Fusion (0-0-1) began the 2008 season just as it ended the 2007 season, with a scoreless draw at home May 2 against the Bakersfield Brigade.

The Quakes (1-0), who lost star Sean Franklin to the Galaxy of the MLS in the offseason, opened the PDL campaign Sunday with a 3-1 win over the Southern California Seahorses at Calabasas High.

The Fusion, which took four points from the Quakes last season, is bolstered this week by the availability of several college stars, including UCLA duo Jason Leopoldo and Brad Rusin, Cal State Northridge fullback Dylan Riley and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo midfielder Brian Jones, a former Westlake High star.

Tonight's game will be broadcasted on KKZZ (1440 AM).

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