Firecrackers Continue to Dominate

Ever wonder what would happen if you put a bunch of skilled players on the worst imaginable playing surface? The question has been answered. Butcher park, once the best field in San Jose, is now perhaps the worst patch of grass in the city. Mud pits, bumps, and dirt make up the field.

With no time to complain, the undefeated Firecrackers took the field shorthanded. One might wonder how a team of 18 players, handpicked, could ever be short? I wonder the same thing. Luckily, only two of the players were missing without a valid excuse.

Be that as it may, the game started off well for the ‘Crackers. In the 14^th minute, Ronnie Jenkins passed the ball up the left side to Justin Basanese. Justin settled the ball after a few bad hops, and swung in a cross. Perhaps on purpose (but probably not), the ball soared towards the goal. The Real Espanol keeper looked to be reading cross, and misjudged the ball. It cleared his outstretched hands and into the net. 1-0 Firecrackers on Justin’s first goal of the season.

The team was noticeably shorthanded, and as a result, many players were playing out of position. Real Espanol exposed the problem just moments after the score was 1-0. A Real Espanol player passed a clever ball to a striker who made a smart run right in the seam between Donny Dequine (playing sweeper), and Will Race. The player came in alone with backup goalkeeper, John Basanese and finished it into the right side of the net. 1-1.

The Firecrackers played well, pressuring the Real Espanol team every time they touched the ball. A standout performance by Brandon Stirm led to many turnovers and scoring opportunities. Stirm was also responsible for the ‘Crackers second goal.

John Basanese took a free kick just outside his 18 yard-box that soared down to Justin. Justin settled the ball and fired a shot that was saved by the goalkeeper. Stirm was right there for the rebound, smashing it past the goalkeeper and into the net. 2-1 Firecrackers. For Stirm, it was his first in Firecracker yellow.

Minutes later, Real Espanol would equalize again. A swing and miss by Dequine left a lucky forward in alone again. This time he had to hit a perfect shot to score…and that’s exactly what he did. The ball squeaked just inside the upper corner of the net, 2-2.

At halftime, the Firecrackers made some minor adjustments. The arrival of Brian Montejano helped the tired players get some rest.

The second half was more of the same, a one sided affair. However, with only 10 minutes to play, the score was still tied. The Firecrackers switched to 3 forwards to try to break the tie. Enter Sean Stonehouse, in the clutch.

Another offside call gave the Firecrackers a free kick outside the 18 yard box. John Basanese kicked the ball down to Sean who was just inside the Real Espanol 18. Sean out jumped the defender and headed the ball over the ‘keeper and into the net. 3-2 ‘Crackers, for Sean it was his 3^rd goal of the season.

“I knew that if I could just get one of those kicks close to the goal, one of my guys would score it. Sean can jump! He scored a great goal. Tying this game would’ve been a very bitter pill for us, and I’m glad he came through,” John Basanese said following the game.

While Stonehouse scored a great goal, the man of the match goes to Justin Basanese for his great play the entire game. His goal and assist paced the Firecrackers to a 5-0 record.

“I thought it was a tough game, but we defended well and scored when we needed to.”

The next game will be June 5^th at Butcher park again, lucky us. David Ahlgren, and Devin Nelson will make their return from honeymoons…and Antonio and Travis should be back as well. The Firecrackers will look to make it 6-0 against a very strong Deportivo Agave side.

John Basanese Sr. took photos at the game, and they are here. Thanks Mr. Basanese!

As a final note, this win is dedicated to the memory of Grandpa John Basanese, the grandfather of Justin, Jeremy, and Johnny who passed away last Saturday, May 20^th. Grandpa Basanese attended several Firecrackers matches, and always enjoyed watching the team play (pictured below with Johnny (left) and Jeremy (right). He was a great man, and he will be missed!

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

Firecrackers	2	1	3
Real Espanol	2	0	2

Starting Lineup: John Basanese (GK), Dequine, Jenkins, Race, Ruiz, Stirm, Fugate, Patton, Justin Basanese, Stonehouse, Jeremy Basanese

Not Available: Ahlgren (Honeymoon), Nelson (Honeymoon), Bianchi (Injury), Sturges, Favela, Touchet,

Yellow Card: Dequine – Pushing (questionable on whether it was even a foul)