Firecrackers Continue to Dominate

After two games where the Firecrackers were barely even tested, the team was called upon to continue the streak at the spacious Watson Bowl. The ‘Crackers knew they would be light one David Ahlgren, who wed the previous Friday…congrats Dave!

The opponent, Halcones. A team that has been very good this season, and given the men in yellow a considerable run in the past. The game got off to a very rocky start. Apparently, one cannot assume that the roster, and player passes would be in the team bag. After realizing that he did not have the aforementioned things, required to start the game, John Basanese stated, “Don’t worry, they have to be in the bag with the net. Dave would not be crazy enough to not leave me the passes!”

Whether or not Dave is crazy is a whole other article, but suffice it to say, the passes were not in the bag with the net. The ref was kind enough to allow the team to write a roster and check in with driver licenses.

With the Halcones wearing the famous Orange jerseys of Holland’s national team, the game kicked off. As in prior weeks, the ‘Crackers jumped straight on Halcones, creating chance after chance in the opening minutes. Every attempt to clear the ball was thwarted, and in the 8th minute, the yellows broke through.

Brandon Stirm brought the ball up the left wing from his left back position. As he neared the 18 yard box, he swung in a brilliant cross. Nobody was able to get on the other end until Ronnie Jenkins narrowly save the ball from going over the endline. Ronald turned and fired a slot pass across the face of the goal, where Jeremy Basanese was waiting. With the inside of his left foot, Jeremy placed the ball into the net. 1-0 Firecrackers.

Ten minutes later, Ronnie took a pass from Sean Stonehouse and rambled through the defense. As he neared the goal, he crushed a volley into the net. 2-0.

The Firecrackers had 4 forwards in attendance Monday night, and they all worked hard to pressure the Halcones’ backline. The Halcones seemed determined to use their defenders to work the ball up the field. This determination ultimately cost them.

In the 32^nd minute, Stonehouse pressured the center back who played the ball back to the ‘keeper. John Basanese was there to pressure the surprised goalie who played it to his left to his only open defender. Following up right on cue, Josh Patton pressured the defender and ultimately stole the ball. A quick pass to a wide open John was all it took. With the keeper still out of his box, John spun and fired from 25 yards. 3-0.

The final ‘Crackers goal would come minutes later, still before half time. In the 36^th minute, the Firecrackers were awarded a throw-in deep in the Haclones area. John took the throw, and threw it in to Jenkins just outside the 6 yard box. Before Ronnie could shoot, the ball was handled by the Dutch wannabees…penalty. Ronnie stepped up and clinically slotted home the spot kick to the left corner. 4-0.

Halftime came, much to the relief of the Halcones who appeared to be on their last legs.

After a warning to ‘not be complacent,’ the Firecrackers took the field for the second half. Though the domination would continue, the Halcones broke through just 10 minutes in. The Halcones’ forward somehow beat the trap of Antonio Favela and raced in alone with Travis Bianchi. Bianchi came out and forced a perfect shot, with Will Race breathing down on the player from behind. A perfect shot it was, far post, side netting. 4-1.

“The way I see it, if that guy waited one more second…William had him. And if that shot wasn’t exactly where it was, Trav had it,” John Basanese said afterwards.

The Halcones would score one more time, but it was too late. The Firecrackers were victorious yet again, this time by a score of 4-2.

As the final whistle sounded, Ronnie Jenkins was mauled in the Halcones box, but it was little consolation for the drubbing that had taken place. Overall, a great effort, on a tough field. The Firecrackers will look to continue their undefeated season next week at Butcher Park against the tough Real Espanol.

sjfirecrackers.com man of the match, and co-captain for next game: Ronnie Jenkins

Firecrackers Saturday	4	0	4
Halcones	0	2	2

Starting Lineup: Bianchi, Favela, Jenkins, Stirm, Sturges, Dequine, Montejano, Justin Basanese, Patton, Stonehouse, Jeremy Basanese