Firecrackers Run Record to 2-0 With Defeat of Halcones 8/11

12 August 2008

David Ahlgren   

Firecrackers Dispatch the Halcones

 It’s been a long time since the Halcones have beaten the firecrackers, but last night they had their best chance to redeem themselves.  The night started slowly as the refs took their time taking the field.  Butcher Park, although better than it was the previous times the Firecrackers had played there was a bit worse for the wear.  Parts were bumpy from patch grass, other areas were soggy and even other areas had really long thick grass.  And the Halcones were not eager to hand over a win.

 Play really started flat for the Firecrackers.  Part of it had to do with the Halcones really pressing in the midfield and making a good transition back to defense.  They would get 5 midfielders running up on the attack, and then all of them would be back defending the two Firecracker strikers.  It was a tall order, but it worked for them for a good portion of the half.  The constant pressure forced the ‘Crackers to play somewhat inopportune passes and forced a few turnovers in the transition zone.  Playing smart in the transition zone is something that the team has been making a conscious effort to improve this season.  At the same time, the Firecracker defense held its own against the many attackers.  Players were tracked, and very few shots were allowed on Travis.

 Aside from there not being many shots from either side, there was some action in the first half.  Midfielder Justin Basanese went up for a header along with a Halcone, but instead of being able to head the ball, the Halcone smashed his head right into Justin’s forehead.  Justin didn’t see it coming, but was able to shrug it off.  The Halcone player went down like a sack of bricks when he realized how bad of a decision he’d made.  The ONLY reason why Justin was called for the “foul” was because he didn’t crumple on impact.  Many more fouls plagued the Firecrackers until halftime, with the Halcones receiving two yellow cards.

 After regrouping during halftime, a re-energized team emerged in the second half.  Passes were crisper, less balls were lost in the transition zone, and the scoring started to happen.  About 15 minutes in to the second half, the Firecrackers got a corner kick.  The Halcones were busy setting up the defense as Dave Ahlgren went to retrieve the ball.  The other forward, John Basanese said he’d take it but noticed none of the Halcones came out towards the ball.  John quick kicked it to Dave, who then heel passed it to John.  John, not quite expecting that was quick to react and lofted a bending cross into the 6-yard box.  New Firecrackers defender Rich Halvorsen found the back of the net with a rocket header, and the Halcones became more frustrated.

 Ten or so minutes later Brandon Stirm found himself with the ball 5 yards outside the 18 yard box.  Because not many shots had been on frame during the match, the goalie was weak and he had the sun in his eyes, Brandon took a long-distance shot.  The shot of course paid off and he found the back of the net.  2-0 Firecrackers.  From that point on the Halcones pretty much gave up and subbed in some of their players that hadn’t played yet.  One of those subs lofted the ball into the box, forcing Travis to make a nice save.  “That was either a fantastic shot, or a pretty bad cross,” Dave said to him.  “Oh man… that was a really bad cross,” he replied with a smile.

 After week 2, the Firecrackers find themselves alone at the top of the standings, as the only team without a loss or a tie, and the only team with a shutout win.  Next week we face Real GTO, who I don’t think we’ve ever faced before.  They handily beat the Latinos, so they will probably be a handful again.  Come ready to PLAY!!

Recap 2: John Basanese

After a solid win against La Soledad last week, the Firecrackers travelled to Butcher park to take on Halcones.  Though the 'Crackers usually handle these foes, the games are always close.

The team was once again missing key players including, Jeremy Basanese, Donny Dequine, and Ronnie Jenkins.  Other players arrived late which led to a very slow start.

The game would go to halftime tied at 0-0 with both teams looking sloppy on the not so nice Butcher park field.

With a few half-time adjustments, the team came out much stronger in the second half, and eventually opened the scoring in the 60th minute.  John Basanese played a short corner to David Ahlgren.  Dave played a heel pass back to John, who swung in a left footed cross.  This year's new addition, Rich Halvorsen, played the cross perfectly, burying it past the 'keeper, 1-0.

The Firecracker defense continued to play well, feeding the attack.  In the 72nd minute, Brandon Stirm scored a great goal to put the game away.

Stirm collected the ball about 40 yards out, beat one defender, and blasted a shot that left the goalkeeper with no chance. A great goal, and an important one, 2-0.

The game would end shortly after, with the Firecrackers expertly closing it out.

A tough schedule at the beginning of the schedule is now in the favor of the Firecrackers who are now 2-0 with La Soledad and Halcones behind them.  The next 4 games will be played a the beatiful PAL Stadium.  The Firecrackers will take on Real GTO next week.

Photos were taken at the game, and can be found HERE. Thanks to John Basanese Sr. for making the trip out, and taking the pictures!

Travis' captains log can be found HERE! 

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