Firecrackers Continue to Dominate

9 May

David Ahlgren

Monday night found the Firecrackers once again ready to go.  After a 6-0 drubbing of the Monarchos, some familiar faces helped the team give the Real Aztecans a solid thrashing.

Returning from college is Donny Dequine who played a stellar game.  New to the ‘Crackers is younger brother of former Firecracker Chris Stirm, Brandon Stirm.  Both Donny and Brandon play at Azusa Pacific during the Firecracker off season.  It’s great to have them back!  Also new to the Firecrackers are Garret Ruiz, and Justin Basanese joining us after playing at Valley Christian.  It’s good to see all of you in Firecrackers jerseys.

The Firecrackers came out blistering hot yesterday.  Players were quick to the ball and made smart passes.  The scoring started early in the game when Justin Basanese ripped a shot from the left.  The ball deflected to Ronnie Jenkins who deftly found the back of the net.  Ronnie has been a scoring machine this year, with 4 assist and 2 goals in just two games.

Not much later, Donny Dequine… well, let’s just say, “full volley”.  The ball was deflected up in the air, about 30 yards out, right in front of Donny.  He took two steps, and smashed the ball.  From the moment it left his foot, the keeper stood no chance—the ball was in the net before he could react, and the Firecrackers were up 2-0.

Still in the first half, the ball was played out of the back as a long drive to Sean Stonehouse, making his debut for the Firecrackers this season.  He flicked on a nice little ball to John Basanese, also making his debut, right through the Aztecian defense.  John took a touch or two and tucked a neat little pass into the goal.  Just like that, 30 minutes into the game, the Firecrackers were up 3-0.

Shortly before halftime, the Firecrackers capitalized on a great effort from John and Sean once again.  This time, John returned the favor by making a nice cross to the back post to Stonehouse.  Stoney easily put the ball away and the pushed the score up to 4-0.

The second half was fairly uneventful, as the Aztecas started using their hands more to try and gain an advantage.  Their bench yelled tirelessly at the refs as did their players.  Travis made some of his trademark breakaway saves, and players would continue to run into him and get knocked down.  Half the time, I don’t think that Travis even noticed.

Azteca was able to put a goal away during a slight lapse in defense.  It was one of those goals that you know should have been avoided, but you are up 4-0 with not much time left on the clock.  Anyway, they scored, breaking the perfect season…

I got a little jarred on a header when I either landed on my head or an elbow did.  Either way I don’t remember this goal, so I’m going by what Gareth said.  Brandon played a brilliant cross across the goal mouth and a sliding Stonehouse came through and finished it.

5-1.  That makes us 11 goals for and 1 against in two games this year.  Not a bad start!  Please remember, in the following weeks people will be missing various games, so please make every effort to attend.  Let’s keep the heat up the whole season!

Cheers.

www.sjfirecrackers.com