The Dream comes
Crashing Down for the Firecrackers!
How could it come to
this?! A season filled with hard work,
determination, rising from the ashes on our way to
glory, an 8 game unbeaten streak and John Basanese
actually at the game.
I am being a bit
dramatic, but I am disappointed with losing our
playoff game and falling short of a championship.
But by no way was I disappointed with our effort,
play and teamwork. It just came down to a fortunate
bounce (or misplay on my part) for the other team.
Going into this match, having not lost since our
opening game and playing at Butcher Park (where
we've had a lot of success lately) I felt confident
in our chances. And even though we were shutout 1-0
we did have some opportunities throughout the match.
I have to hand it to
the other team, they played exceptional defense,
hustled on every ball and kept us off our game. But
we still stayed in the game, even stifling their
best player most of the match. If it wasn't for his
absolutely perfectly placed shot off a loose ball we
would have definitely gone to overtime. In a grind
it out game like this the bounce just didn't go our
way.
But I must commend you
guys on this match for your conduct. The head
referee laid down a tough set of expectations for us
to abide by. His stern warning to me before the game
that he wasn't going to take any talk from us was
unnecessary and appeared completely biased against
us especially considering he did not issue the same
warning to the other team's captain. You guys didn't
disappoint in keeping your heads despite blown calls
and the constant verbal threats of being carded by
that ref. I knew you guys were getting under his
skin by not arguing, fouling or giving him reason to
eject you when he came running out to me at the
start of the second half visibly upset saying, "If
one more of your 'partners' does one more thing, I
throw him out!". I asked who was "doing those
things" and he just mumbled, "partners" as he walked
away.
First off I'm not
gay and second if you can't describe who and what is
going on to me in detail when you're threatening
ejection, then ! you're just grasping for straws.
You guys showed
character and outclassed the other teams who use
diving, fouling and constant whining to the refs to
gain an advantage.
This season was a fun
ride and our efforts were not in vain. We had a good
return of players from past seasons as well as some
new additions. We're definitely a talented squad and
will always continue to win and be in contention for
a title. I encourage everyone to stay in shape, keep
up your skills and come ready to play when we kick
off next spring.
I'll miss the banter,
joking and laughing on the sidelines as well as the
fun of playing. Hopefully we all have had good
memories and are inspired to come back again. I may
even miss getting hit in the face with the ball.....
Well before I get too
sappy I must award our final Man of the Match.
This gentlemen played
hard all year. Game after game he would come out and
grind away in the backfield. Many times he was left
alone to mark the opponent's best forward and would
not disappoint. He let his actions do all the
speaking.
Will Race you were our
Man of the Match!
Thanks again for a fun
season guys. I look forward to kicking the ball
around with you in the future.
Best regards,
Antonio Favela
Captain
