Firecrackers End Regular Season With Convincing Win

June 23rd, 2008

After two consecutive wins, the 7-1-1 Firecrackers were tasked with ending the regular season against the defending champions, Mundialito. Earlier in the season, the two teams drew 3-3 in a game that saw a furious comeback after the 'Crackers had fallen behind 3-0.

This game would start out in the opposite direction.  Many of the players who missed last week returned, which would prove to be important on the hot day, and large field.

In the 4th minute, Justin Basanese crossed a ball that found Josh Patton on the far post.  Josh played a first time ball back to the penalty spot to a waiting John Basanese.  John hit a first time volley that screamed past the goalkeeper and into the net. 1-0 Firecrackers.

Just three minutes later, the Firecrackers would strike again.  Brian Sturges took a long goalkick that Sean Stonehouse flicked on near midfield.  John Basanese ran onto the ball and out-raced two defenders before finishing the ball past the goalie. 2-0.

Mundialito showed it's counter-attacking prowess, pressuring the Firecracker defense several times.  With just one minute left in the half, one such counter attack led to a wide open Mundialito attacker who finished past an onrushing Travis Bianchi. 2-1.

At half-time, minor adjustments were made and the team continued to put the pressure on Mundialito.  With the wind now going against them, Mundialito could barely mount an attack. Each time they did have positive movement forward, they would meet the increasingly insurmountable Brian Sturges who thwarted each opportunity.

"Each week Brian is getting better.  It's pretty scary, and I hope it continues," John Basanese said following the game.

Dave Ahlgren added his thoughts.

"When your defense and goalkeeper are as good as ours, it allows us to be confident going forward.  It's a huge advantage, and one that we don't take for granted."

Just 10 minutes into the second half, the Firecrackers would put the game away for good.  A long throw-in by John Basanese skipped past the defense to Brandon Stirm.  Stirm finished clinically, through the goalkeeper's legs and into the net.  3-1.

A few minutes later, the Firecrackers would cap off the scoring when a nice pass from Donny Dequine found John Basanese a few yards outside the area.  John collected the ball, faked a shot, and found Stirm's feet.  Stirm expertly turned through three defenders to get in alone with the 'keeper.  An easy finish made the score 4-1.

The game would end 4-1, and prove to be the most complete game played by the Firecrackers this season.  The win makes the Firecrackers 8-1-1, and gives them great momentum heading into the playoffs.

John Basanese appreciated the team play, and passing.

"This is easily our best game of the year.  I thought our ball movement was first rate, and it made the game very attractive. Jeremy, Donny, Fugate, Ronny, Stirmy, Josh, Norris, and Stoney were passing all over the place.  Justin's crosses were lethal as usual, and the defenders and Trav were solid as always.  Dave and I were able to feed off that, and it makes it easy when you're that good as a team.  I think Mundialito is one of the toughest teams in the league and we made them look silly."

Stay tuned to the website for updates on the playoff seedings!

Special thanks to John Basanese Sr. who travelled from Hollister to capture some great photos!  The pictures can be found here.

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