Firecrackers Welcome SJ Latinos to the League!

After a tough 3-1 victory over Real Azteca, the Firecrackers showed up a Butcher Park, ready to take one of a number of new teams to the league. The team, SJ Latinos, showed up early and warmed up for the game, proving that they were 'new.'

As the men in yellow trickled in, it became obvious that the Firecrackers might actually be fully staffed for the first time in a number of weeks. The game would start 20 minutes late.

The Firecrackers immediately took the upper hand, threatening several times in the opening minutes. It would not seem to go in, and as the game wore on the momentum began to change.

The first half ended deadlocked at 0-0. 'Keeper, Travis Bianchi, made several good stops to keep the game scoreless.

After a cold shower speech at halftime, the 'Crackers came out determined to put this game away. Things would get going around the 54th minute.

John Basanese took a throw-in deep in the Latinos' third. The ball went over the 'keeper to a waiting Sean Stonehouse. Sean clinically finished the ball with his head, his fourth of the campaign. 1-0 Firecrackers.

With a lead, the 'Crackers played confidently...constantly pressuring the Latinos. Several minutes later, rookie Chad Salstrom found David Ahlgren who beat the keeper and finished his first goal of the young season. 2-0 Firecrackers.

The defense played exceptionally strong, and really transitioned well in the second half, led by Antonio Favela.

From here on out, there is no messing around. Next up is Mundialito, followed by Maggianos (who destroyed SJ Latinos). The team will need to be in attendance to keep the 10 game win streak alive.

On a side note, the Firecrackers would like to wish the best of luck to Antonio Favela as he weds this weekend in Calistoga. Antonio is marrying his longtime girlfriend Larissa. Best of luck from the team, and get home from your honeymoon soon!

The news of the wedding is a great relief to those who knew of Antonio's questionable trip to Hawaii with his 'roomate,' who happens to be named Jason. The rumors were put to rest in a captain's log, but I think the whole team would agree when I say that 'I'm just glad the wedding is happening.' Best of luck Tone!

sjfirecrackers.com man of the match, and co-captain for the game with Mundialito: Brian Sturgess (exceptional offensive and defensive play)

Firecrackers	0	2	2
SJ Latinos	0	0	0

Starting Lineup: Ahlgren, Stonehouse, Hale, Salstrom, Nelson, Patton, Sturgess, Favela, Fugate, Bianchi, Touchet