Firecrackers Comeback 3 Times to Win

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23 August 2005

David Ahlgren

 Despite an interesting start, the Firecrackers pulled out some last-minute heroics and were able to extend their winning streak to three games.  Once again, there was only one lone referee, but this time he did an adequate job.  Also good news, 18 out of the 19 players showed up this week!

 Despite having an array of substitutes, the Firecrackers had somewhat of a slow start.  Barely 10 minutes into the game, the Monarchos had scored a goal after a failed clearance left one of them with a free shot at point blank range.  The Firecracker passing was off, players were in the wrong place, however, soon the 'Crackers were back on track.

 Midfielder John Basanese started of the Firecracker scoring with a long range knuckler.  Thomas Andalon played the ball back from a forward position, and John dodged a defender as he closed, hitting the ball with his first touch.  He hit the ball from 22 yards, past two defenders, and the ball hit the back of net before the goalie even had time to react.  The Monarchos, however, reacted after the goal and switched the goalie out.

 A good effort was given by the defense, and at halftime, the score was 1-1.

The second half began as it did in the first half.  The Monarcos were able to squeak a goal in after a number of miscommunications throughout the Firecracker squad.  No matter, though, the Firecrackers would not succumb to being down a goal.

Brian Montejano had a similar chance to score as he did in a previous game.  The goalie was a little out of position, and Brian took the long range shot.  This time, however, it sailed just wide of the mark.

Not much later, midfielder Josh Patton was able to make a goal out of nothing.  He received a ball towards the top of the box, turned 180 degrees, at the same time losing the defender, and launched a fireball towards the goal.  The placement was perfect and the new goalie did not have time to respond.  The ball was in the net and the score was tied.

Sean Basanese was able to put himself into the mix on a couple occasions, narrowly missing a chance for a shot.  He's been at the end of long crosses, and only narrowly missed them.

The butterfly team was able to capitalize after one final misunderstanding.  John Basanese recalls, "I told him to head it back to Travis, which he did, but I think it would have been better if I had just let Tone take care of it."  Once again, the Monarcos scavenger forwards were able to find a nice tasty meal, courtesy of the Firecrackers.  No matter.  When the Firecrackers need to, they can shut any offense down.

Finding themselves down 3-2, the Firecrackers had to dig deep.  John Basanese found himself on the Firecrackers sideline as he was about to throw the ball in.  Launching it, the ball made it to the front of the six yard box where a Thomas Andalon header sailed barely wide.  Jokingly, Dave Ahlgren said, "John, next time hit the back side of the 6 yard box, okay?"

With about 12 minutes left in the game, John had that same opportunity again.  He lined up for a throw in, and when he threw it in, it went into the goal box, over the goalie's head, and was heading into the goal.  Dave Ahlgren got his head on it just before it crossed the line into the goal.  It's a good thing he did, because as cool as it might have been for John to make it in off the throw in, it wouldn't have counted.  Goal kicks and throw-ins are always indirect, meaning the must be touched by two people before they are considered a live ball.  "I was so mad when I threw it... I put everything  had into that throw!"

Not willing to accept a tie, the Firecrackers kept pressing.  A few minutes before the final whistle blew, Chris Stirm broke the stalemate and the Firecrackers took the lead for the first time during the game.  The play started when Dave Ahlgren was manhandled near midfield.  Devon Nelson then took the free kick and played a rainmaker into the penalty box.  Donny Fugate went up to make a play on it, thinking he could flick the ball on, but one of the Monarchos used the ever famous "Hand of God" trick to somewhat clear the ball.  Unfortunately for him, Maradona used the play to score, and not to defend.  (Maradona actually admitted to using his hand in this story yesterday.)  The ball bounced right to Chris Stirm, who placed the ball at his feet and absolutely buried the ball.  Three out of the four goals were hit so hard that they were in the net before the goalie could react.

Said John Basanese after the game, "I think the Firecrackers finally showed some fire today.  People acted like they actually cared!"

John also learned an interesting Spanish lesson this week. When a Monarcho player said some words in Spanish to John, he tried to explain that "pinche'" and "cabron" were complimentary and that John should appreciate it.  How nice of them to think of us in such a nice way...

I spoke to the referee after the game about Watson Park after the game.  Here's the conversation:

SJF: Do you know what is going to happen about Watson Bowl?

REF: "Watson got bought out by some company.  It's not going to be soccer there anymore."

SJF: Really?  I heard it was closed due to some contamination..."

REF: "Oh, oh Watson park.  Yeah, Watson Bowl is poisoned, I heard.  There was a chemical leak and they found some dead bodies up there!  I wouldn't drink that [expletive] water up there anymore!!"

We'll have to see about that.  As of Wednesday, Armando, the league coordinator, says that Watson 1 and 2 are closed, but that the Bowl is open and our game is scheduled to be there next week.

This game was a great game to compare to where we have been.  I think that although we aren't a perfect team, we are playing with a lot more heart.  Keep the effort level up guys!  Great job to all!

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