The last game of the regular season usually carries major playoff implications. Many a team finds themselves fighting to move on or place themselves in good position to start the postseason. A win, loss or tie could be the difference between moving on to the best and most exciting part of the season or pulling out the TV Guide and hitting the bottle. Although we shared a piece of first place we could not let down or relax on this last game. Knowing the importance of this game John Basanese (who couldn't be at the game) called in from on the toilet and had this to say, "Tone, go out there and help us win this important game."

 When the starting whistle blew this match did not lack the drama, excitement, nor hi jinx that the Firecrackers were accustomed to all season.

 Once again we started out with a good pace, controlling the ball and stringing together a nice series of passes. Complementing our good offensive game was an outstanding showing from our back line of Will Race, Devin Nelson and Brian Sturges and Matt Bishop. With our continuing offensive charges it wasn't long before we struck twice to take a 2-1 first half lead. Usually this is a good sign especially for a team of our caliber, but like I mentioned before this game would have it's excitement.
Like most teams we've faced La Soledad had good playing skills but even greater thespian abilities. At the slightest brush of contact from a Firecracker one La Soledad player after another would go flying through the air, plummet to the ground and roll around like their pants were on fire. Pacino and Newman better watch out because every time the whistle would blow against them their facial expressions, deep draw of emotion and endless pleading would have the Academy begging for more.

 But not to be outdone was their fabulous team trainer who was tirelessly at work. This 'Hero of Healing' could not sit back on his heels for every time a player went down he was sprinting out onto the field with his bag of trickery. I don't know what he was spraying on them......a steroid stimulant, Jesus Juice or perhaps your average household cleaner, but whatever it was it did the trick for they would jump up and be right back in action.

 To our credit we did not let all the 'hi jinx' get us off our game. We played consistent through the half and later in the second put in that third goal for a 3-1 lead. With a lead this big we usually can taste certain victory but stranger circumstances would prevail. A few defensive miscues on our part would open up opportunities for La Soledad to even up the score for an eventual draw. But I have to give them credit, they never gave up when behind and capitalized on the few chances they had. A good lesson to take from the game.

 
 Even with the disappointment of a tie I cannot overlook the outstanding performance from our team manager David Ahlgren. This 'Dandy Dutchman' put in 3 'fantastisch' goals. You know watching Dave play with his quiet style off the field and his ice cool moves on the pitch brought to mind comparisons with another European sports star from the past. A certain Swede with a quiet demeanor by the name of Bjorn Borg took the tennis world by storm in the late 70's and early 80's. With his long curly blond locks and his trademark headband Bjorn Borg would take the court, breaking ladies hearts and crushing opponents.
 

    

Check out the comparisons between our 'Holland Heartbreaker' and the man simply knows as Borg.

-Both are fierce competitors who strung together multiple titles

Borg - Wimbledon Champion '76-80, French Open '78-80

Ahlgren - PalmOne Family Picnic Waterballoon Toss - '01-03, Reno Invitational Indian Leg-Wrestling Championship U17 Boys - '92-95

-Both have the long curls and wear the headband that drives young girls (and some men) wild.

John McEnroe had this to say about his arch rival Borg.
"The way he looked…..he was the first tennis player I ever saw who had legions of young girls following him on the court.”

Pete Murray Team Captain of the Super Chavelas (Ahlgren's Saturday team) had this to say.
"If sexy was an art than Dave Ahlgren would be a Michelangelo. When his flowing sugar coated curls whip in the wind, young girls and Jason Pinto swoon."

 

-Both say more with their silence than with words.

Again John McEnroe on Borg -
"He had an aura about him without having anything to say at all......it brought a whole new level of interest and excitement (to tennis)."

Roommate John Basanese, on Ahlgren -

“He has an aura about him without having anything to say at all….It brings a whole new element of interest and excitement (to spandex).”

When it comes down to it these two play like champions. You never know when you'll come across a legend in his prime.

Dave you were our man of the match.

 

 

Goed gedaane Ahlgren!!!!


Congratulations on making the playoffs 'Crackers.
See you next week.

Captain Favela


Game Injuries: Favela kick to the groin (probable)