Angry Maggiano's can't touch 'Crackers

August 21, 2006

Everyone loves a night game, even if the field is 2/3 dirt!

After a bitter 2-1 loss last week, the team looked to right itself against a very strong Maggiano's team.  Maggiono's destroyed the SJ Latinos, whom the Firecrackers struggled to beat.  For a night game, the team was surprised to have such a poor showing of players.

Only 12 players turned out, missing Will Race, Chad Salstrom, Sean Stonehouse, and Josh Patton.  The players who showed expected to have their hands full against the fully staffed restaurant side.

The 8pm game got started nearly on time, with Trung and Art running the two man system.  The Maggiano's had the kickoff which they passed backwards.  David Ahlgren pressured the midfielder who outlet a pass to the left back.  Right there waiting was John Basanese.  Under pressure, the back tried to hit the GK.  Unfortunately for him, David read the pass, stole it, and slotted it past the sabotaged 'keeper.  1-0 'Crackers, 35 seconds in!

The next goal would not be far behind.  A throw-in was won deep in the Maggiano's end.  John took the throw, launching the ball into the 6 yard box.  Donny Fugate read it perfectly, heading it into the net. 2-0.

The onslaught would continue.  Strong play by the defense, including GK Travis Bianchi kept the game in Maggiano's' end.

In the 13th minute, the 'Crackers would strike again.  Brian Montejano won the ball in the midfield and sprung Ahlgren with a magical throughball.  Dave calmly slotted the ball first time for his second goal on the night. 3-0.

Moments later, David would complete the hattrick.  The ball was played from Montejano to Fugate.  Fugate calmly played the square ball to John.  Seeing Ahlgren making a run, John hit a first time ball over the defense and found David in stride.  Like he had all game, Ahlgren chipped the goalie with a first touch shot. 4-0.

At this point, Maggiano's seemed to be stunned.  They were playing well, but the game was running away from them.  The defense worked hard to squash any opportunity 'Wetto' or the other players could muster.  In the 36th minute, things got worse for the green and white shirted restaurant boys.

The Maggiano's player played a ball back to their defender who was immediately pressured by Ahlgren.  Dave ran past the guy, taking the ball, and prepared for the cross.  As the guy was pulling him down by his shirt, Dave heard John call for a cross.  Without looking he hit a laser from right next to the corner flag.  An onrushing John Basanese volleyed the ball into the net from about 6 yards out. 5-0.

At this point, the guy on the megaphone (coach of Maggiano's) seemed to slow down with his personal attacks.  It was a disaster for the restaurant boys.

At halftime, the Firecrackers fraternized with the fans, and prepared for the second half. 

Controversy would mar the second period, and it started right off the kickoff.  Ahlgren, seeing that the keeper was looking at his gloves, hit a shot from the kickoff.  The ball floated right over the unsuspecting keepers head and into the net.  Bedlam broke loose.  The other team, naturally, was arguing that it's an indirect kick. lol.  Art didn't know, and Trung says it's indirect...so no goal.  A travesty at best.

UPDATE: Art wrote back and said, "This is to Dave and all , Dave you were right about at start of game that you can Direct a kick right in to the goal with out having two touch,, Sorry my bad.."

The goal will be recorded in the archives :)

A few minutes later, John took a throw in that found it's way to Paul Touchet who drilled home his 1st goal of the young season 6-0 good guys.

At this point, things went weird.  The men in green and white started fouling all over the place.  Ultimately, a foul would bring the game to it's end. 

A ball came up to Jeremy Basanese, and the defender took a wild swing at it, obviously not going to the ball, but for Jeremy's face.  He was only 4 feet tall, so he missed...but he would not come up empty handed.  As Jeremy took the ball and started dribbling, the player (#7) continued with what was one of the most dirty tackles possible, bringing the 'Crackers forward to the ground in a heap.

Obviously, the Firecrackers took exception, running to Jeremy's aid.  The player was ejected, and the game called.  It will remain one of the most dirty tackles that's taken place against the men in yellow, thankfully, a bruised ankle is all that Jeremy sustained.

Another triumphant day. The win puts the 'Crackers at 3-1, but it's not good enough.  The team needs to show up, and we need to continue to roll!  The next game is Monday against Monarcho's at Watson Bowl.  After this game, we have a week off for Labor Day, so let's get everyone there!

In Firecracker's news: Donny Fugate has had to quit for the season.  His duties as head freshman football coach at Valley Christian High School will limit his availability.  He will be missed, and we are looking to add more players for this season.

Also: Antonio Favela has rejoined the team after a successful honeymoon.  Tone played great in his return, looking like a man full of energy!

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