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Firecrackers Out-Slug Real GTO to Stay Perefect 8/18
The Firecrackers showed up at PAL Stadium tonight to
play a soccer game against Real GTO. Apparently, they did not get
the memo that GTO wanted to fight instead.
In one of the more 'dirty' games in recent memory, the
'Crackers embarrassed their opponents, who barely mustered a shot on
goal. The referee for the match was in agreement, as evidenced by
his post game quotes.
"That team just wanted to fight. They weren't
good enough to play with you, so they were just trying to hurt you." Mr.
Referee said.
The game got off to a crazy start in the 10th minute
when a GTO defender reacted to a 50/50 challenge with John Basanese by
kicking him in the legs. When John turned to voice his
displeasure, the player took a swing at his face. Fortunately,
John saw the punch and was able to block most of it. The blocked
punch glanced off his chin without damage.
"It's been a while since something like that has
happened to me. That was one of the first times I touched the
ball. They were obviously coming after us from the opening
whistle. It took us a while, but we rose above it. The
better team won tonight," Basanese said following the game.
The player was ejected from the game instantly, as the
ref saw the entire incident. John was not shown a card, or warned.
Strangely enough, the offending player was not red carded, simply
ejected, allowing GTO to maintain 11 players on the field, strange to be
sure.
The perfect PAL grass played host to some nice one
touch passing from the Firecrackers who could have easily won 6 or 7 to
zero. The reckless play, and some rust from having played on bumpy
fields the previous two games, caused the score to be 0-0 heading into
halftime.
The team never panicked, knowing that the defense
would not allow a goal. Jeremy Basanese talked about how
confidence helps this team.
"We knew we wouldn't concede with our defense and Trav
back there." Jeremy said. "We just needed to work out the passing a
little bit, and deal with some dirty challenges. At halftime, I
think everyone knew how the game would turn out. We pulled it
together."
Sure enough, a throw in deep in the GTO end would lead
to the first goal. John Basanese heaved the ball past the
goalkeeper to a waiting Brandon Stirm. Stirm who had several great
chances throughout the night, made sure of it. 1-0
A little while later, a really nice buildup led to the
Firecrackers doubling the lead. After 5 or 6 passes through the
midfield, Stirm played a perfectly weighted ball over the backline to
Sean Stonehouse. Sean collected the ball, and calmly slotted it
past the onrushing 'keeper. 2-0.
The defense held tight again, collecting their 2nd
shutout in 3 games this season.
After the second goal, it was simply a 'dont get hurt'
type of game with several gruesome challenges to avoid.
Embarrassing if you ask John.
"It's just sad. We have skilled players, who
love the game, and we drive for work every monday to have a good time
playing soccer. To have a situation like tonight is just
unfortunate, and frankly embarrasing for them if you ask me. We
were the superior team from the opening whistle."
The Firecrackers have one more game before the Labor
Day break, this time against a new team, Barcelona. Stay tuned to
the website for updates.
Don't miss Travis' captain's log, below!
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sjfirecrackers.com men of the match, and co-captain
for next game: Brandon Stirm (1g)
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Firecrackers |
0 |
2 |
2 |
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Real GTO |
0 |
0 |
0 |
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Starting Lineup:
Bianchi, Sturges, Ruiz, Favela, Montejano, Patton, Jeremy Basanese,
Stirm, Jenkins, John Basanese, Stonehouse
Substitutes: Justin Basanese, Fugate, Ahlgren, Touchet
Not Available:
Halvorsen, Dequine, Race, Nelson
Yellow Card:
Jeremy Basanese (mistaken identity), Donny
Fugate
Scoring summary:
Stirm (John Basanese)
Stonehouse (Stirm)
Weather: 73 degrees, sunny.
Location: PAL Stadium
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Captain's Log, by Travis Bianchi:
Another week, another win.
Although it wasn’t the prettiest win we have ever recorded it
is still nice to escort Johnny off the field with a win under our
belt. We have only
played Real GTO twice now with a 2 – 0 record (6 goals for and none
against) and I sort of remember this kind of game last time too.
From the very beginning of the game it was pretty clear that
they were going to do what ever it took to win the game.
They ran hard at us every time we had the ball and slide
tackling from the back, side, where ever was fair game.
They were able to score 5 goals in the previous 2 games so I
think they were confident they would get some goals on us as well.
After the first half though it was clear that we weren’t just
going to give them away so they began to dive in and around the box
and screaming. Led of
course by their wonderful roll model of a coach.
“Come on refereeeeeee!”
Even on the smooth pitch at PAL our passing and
scoring opportunities were not up to par last night.
Only a few times were we able to put 6 touches together and
work the ball up the field.
On a positive note, since that is the direction we are
supposed to be heading
J,
we did finish a high percentage of the chances we were given.
Both Sean and Brandon buried their shots passed what I would
consider just some fat kid with gloves on back there.
Our defense, despite missing 3 members, held up solid as
usual. The first half
they were limited to outside week shots and break away attempts that
led to them being offside 90% of the time.
In the beginning of the second half we switched things up to
3 across the back which flattened us out and gave them their best
scoring opportunity of the night.
They hit off the far post and Tone was able to clear but that
strategy played directly into their strengths.
It was quickly changed back and no other quality attempts
were made. On a lighter note,
at the very end of the game they were given one more break away
despite the ref admitting that he was about 5 yards offside after
the play was over. He
came alone down our left side and straight into me from the corner
having at least 2 of his guys in the middle screaming for the pass.
Their little hero decided he was going to be the one to score
with zero angle and even less ability.
Needless to say he missed the goal entirely which left Jeremy
and I just laughing at him.
Whistle blew, another shut out in the books.
Looking ahead to next week we will play a team
that we have not seen before.
A win for them would leave them in a tie for first.
The have been able to score 15 goals in 3 games thus far
which tells me they must have some kind of offense, however they
have let in 12 in that same time which tells me our forwards should
be salivating. It is
important that we all show up and show up on time.
We started with just enough to play and players wondering in
through the first 10 minutes of the game.
With an 8:00 game next week there shouldn’t be any excuses.
One thing that was missed last week that I believe
deserves special recognition are the arm bands passed out by Brian
Sturges. We are all
wearing these blue bands that read “Marc’s All Star Team” to support
a young kid fighting Leukemia.
Marc has already beat it off once and now has to do the
unimaginable and fight it off a second time.
Although we might not know him personally we are all pulling
for him. I will continue
to wear mine until the day Marc is able to come out and celebrate
one of our wins with us.
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