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Captain's Log 8/8
First
off I want to say it’s great to be back with the SJ Firecrackers for
another run at the league championship. After that heartbreaking loss in
the championship game to end our Spring Season I am so ready to be
standing in the middle of the field getting my picture taken wearing a
t-shirt that this time says CHAMPION.
And
after starting off the Summer League with two frustrating games ending
in a tie and a loss it was nice to finally check one in the win column.
I must
commend everyone for pulling together and coming back for the win. We
didn’t have many subs and the pitch at Capital Park can play like a 12th
opponent. We kept up the hustle and fought back with a much stronger
second half. With that here are some of the highlights that come to
mind.
First we
have Jeremy’s midfield blast on a bewildered keeper for the equalizer.
Our midfield did not have a lot of subs to rely on but they repeatedly
pushed on especially attacking strong on transitions. Our backline once
again put in a solid defensive effort thwarting attack after attack. And
Sean Stonehouse putting away the game winner with a well placed shot
past the keeper was nice.
But the
performance that stood out in my mind was from our keeper Travis
Bianchi. Facing atrocious goal box conditions (no grass and uneven to
bumpy) and an ever glaring sun beating in his face Travis picked up his
game in the second half and shut down the opponent. With quick punches
and well timed challenges Travis owned any ball that entered the box. It
all culminated with him blocking a penalty kick that would have tied the
score late in the game. It’s tough to keep calm when a penalty shot is
being taken on you but if that wasn’t enough Travis had to focus even
more after just having received a yellow card. Way to save the game!
As a
team we need to carry this momentum through this next stretch of games.
So far we have faced most of our opponents in our bracket so we know the
competition. With a good showing of players and better cohesiveness as a
team I’m confident we’ll find ourselves back in the playoffs.
Keep up
the good play!!!
Antonio Favela |
