Antonio Favela 

Another game and another resounding victory for the Firecrackers. If we keep up this pace my Captain's logs are going sound redundant. After a week off from another delay we found ourselves on the small confines of Backesto park. Now before I go over the game I want to point out  3 definitive things mark a difference between the Firecrackers of present versus the Firecrackers of last year.

#1. We have a solid squad of dedicated players. This is not a knock on our team of past seasons but more a compliment in that this squad is talented and shows up consistently giving us plenty of subs.

#2. We are in good playing condition. Many of our players have stayed in shape playing in other leagues. Plus as Dave mentioned last week our preseason practices at Valley Christian are paying off with lopsided victories

#3. We're getting off to quick starts striking first. In both games we have had big leads by the end of the first half. This is due to relentless pressure on the ball and solid playmaking.

With 11 goals scored in the first two games our offense is flexing it's muscles. We very easily could have had 5 more goals scored. Second our defense is strong holding off the few attacks seen so far from our opponent. If not for a missed offside call by the ref we would still have not been scored on. And even with a few mistakes in the backfield we have a great keeper who can shut down a team's scoring threat.

So moving forward what do we have to work on? Well with a great group of players we have to figure out where each person can be maximized with their playing time. We may have to sub a little more than we like but we got a good person who knows the game in Gareth. Within the next few weeks some of our regular starters will not be available requiring some of us to step up in their place. We also have not seen the rest of the teams on the schedule and some may present a challenge so we can't get cocky. Lastly as great as it it to win we have to remember to enjoy our time out there and have fun on the pitch. I love playing soccer and I look forward to every Monday playing with you guys.

Sorry for the ramble, I bring up these points only because we're playing so well and it's hard to think of anything that needs big improvement.

So with another outstanding performance by our entire team I must make the hard decision of picking "one" player as our Man of the Match.

We had explosive firepower once again from our midfield led by Ronnie Jenkins notching another goal. Justin Basanese put out another solid effort setting up the first goal. And new addition Brandon Stirm make numberous runs up the outside. Up top we had two great Spring debut performances from John Basanese and Sean Stonehouse. John and 'Stone' worked well together resulting in two goals. Each one netting a goal and assist on the two plays. The defense once again played strong especially with a shutdown performance in the first half.

But this week's Man of Match goes to Donny Dequine. Fresh back from Asuza this youngster brought great pressure in the middle and ripped a beautiful vollied shot from way out that was Money! He provided a great spark and good vocal leadership out there making him our Man of the Match. 

Like I said before if we come out fast and make the quick starts we will see good results. Keep of the great play Firecrackers. 

Antonio