PACIFIC PALISADES — Despite being three goals and 12 minutes better than the first time around, the Ventura County Fusion women's soccer team still fell to the unbeaten Pali Blues on Saturday night.

Sixty-seven minutes of Fusion resistance ended when Kara Kabellis' right-side cross found its way into Joslyn Slovek's goal. Danesha Adams and Liz Bogus followed with more conventional tallies as the Western Conference-leading Blues continued their perfect start with a 3-1 win over the visiting Fusion in front of 715 at the Stadium By The Sea.

Substitute Jamie Bell notched a consolation goal for the Fusion (0-3-1), set up by Emily Wynne's pinpoint pass, in the 90th minute. It was the first goal scored against the Blues (3-0) this season.

"That was a personal victory," said Wynne, who has set up all three of the Fusion goals. "We don't give up."

The game was played before Lakers backup point guard Jordan Farmar, who was on hand to watch former UCLA classmates Adams and Jill Oakes.

In both teams' inaugural debuts May 10, the Fusion had held off for 55 minutes against the Blues, stocked with internationals like Adams, Kabellis and Italian Ilaria Pasqui at Buena High before falling 5-0.

With University of Texas defender Kasey Moore coupled in defense alongside USC's Kasey Johnson for the first time, with Pepperdine defensive midfielder Ashley Copp providing protection, the Fusion was able to frustrate the star-studded Blues for nearly three quarters of Saturday's match.

The Fusion could have taken the lead in the ninth minute.

Pali defender Sascha Andrews, a Canadian international, slipped while corralling an errant Fusion pass, unleashing Wynne to through on goal. But the Pepperdine forward rolled her bid wide right of Valerie Henderson's goal after walking in alone.

"It was good to see some of the chaos Wynne created," said Moore.

Fusion head coach Michelle Myers started with three up front, in an attempt to relieve some of the offensive pressure the Blues were able to build three weeks ago.

"I thought we created a lot more opportunities than in the first match," said Myers.

The Fusion was on its way to a point until Slovek, who had stood strongly in making eight saves in the face, seemed to lose Kabellis' cross in the lights.

"She plays so well all game and that happens," lamented Myers. "It's a bummer for her."

The Fusion, which had hoped to be full strength for the first time this season, also received some disappointing news before the match. USC midfielder Ashley Nick has informed the club that she will not be joining it this summer, contrary to expectations. USC teammate Megan Ohai, also expected to make her debut, missed the match to be with a sick relative, according to Myers.