Firecrackers Complete Double with Monday League Title.

July 14th, 2008

After a few trips to the final without a championship, the Firecrackers finally climbed back atop the San Jose P&R Soccer - 1st division Monday night.  Entering the playoffs seeded #1 after an 8-1-1 regular season, the 'Crackers took on #2 seed La Soledad.

The game was played at PAL stadium, and the team received some bad news prior to the game.  Star goalkeeper Travis Bianchi was injured in an accident during a soccer tournament over the weekend that gave him 25 stitches above his lip.  A considerable blow for a team who relies on steady defense, said John Basanese.

"If there was such thing as Best XI team in this league, Travis would be the goalie.  He's clearly the top GK in the league, so losing him just before the final was not the pre-game news we were looking for.  Our defense was awesome today, so we did what we had to do to win."

Travis will be ok, and will be rejoining his teammates once his face heals.

The game started off well for the 'Crackers with the strike partnership of Sean Stonehouse, and Ronnie Jenkins pressuring from the opening whistle.  The defense marked tightly, and kept La Soledad from any real chances in the first half.

In the 25th minute, the game would turn in favor of the Firecrackers.

Brandon Stirm took the ball on a diagonal run across the field before playing a clever pass with the outside of his right foot to a streaking Ronnie Jenkins.  Ron calmly collected the ball before finishing past the goalkeeper into the far post side netting. 1-0.

La Soledad stepped up the pressure, but sweeper Will Race was on hand to organize the defense and keep them away.  The marking backs, Garret Ruiz, and Antonio Favela expertly marked the forwards giving them little chance to create.

The game would go to halftime 1-0, and the Firecrackers knew that they needed another to put the game away.

The second half was more of the same, La Soledad desperately attempted to gain momentum, but their tries were all turned away by the Firecracker defense.

In the 70th minute, familiar goal scorer Sean Stonehouse put the icing on the cake.

Stirm found Justin Basanese on the left side, and Justin did what he always does...playing a perfectly weighted cross from 30 yards away right to Stonehouse.  Sean buried the ball into the net, 2-0.

"What a goal that was." John Basanese said.

"The timing was great, it took the wind out of La Soledad's sail, but it was also good to look at.  Great finish, and another great cross by Justin.  He's good for at least one of those a game it seems."

The game would finish 2-0 in favor of the Firecrackers, and other than a red card to David Ahlgren, things pretty much went perfectly. 

The Firecrackers would also like to extend some thank you's to some people:

- The fans.  You guys came out all year and supported us, especially in the playoffs.  We appreciate every one of you!  It makes it's fun having people watching the games.

- John Basanese Sr. For taking pictures at our games, we've been able to capture some really cool moments in photos which is priceless!

- The refs and league.  The officiating, and fields were head and shoulders better this year than in years past.  Thank you to San Jose Parks and Recs.

Stay tuned to the site for the beginning of the next season, it should be soon!

For now, the Firecrackers are CHAMPIONS in both the CAA League, and the San Jose 1st Division!

Photos from the game can be found here! 

www.sjfirecrackers.com