Firecrackers Defeat La Soledad in Season Opener. 8/4

A few weeks removed from the spring season's title game, a game the Firecrackers won 2-0, the champs began the season at Watson Bowl.  The opponent?  La Soledad, again.  Though there was some rust on both sides, the match had some good futbol on display.

The game started off well for the Firecrackers, when Ronnie Jenkins played a driven ball to John Basanese.  Basanese played a chest pass to Brandon Stirm, who quickly fed Josh Patton down the right wing.  Patton played a perfectly weighted cross to the far post.  The cross beat the keeper, and Sean Stonehouse was there to finish the header.  1-0 Firecrackers.

"One of the things about Sean is that he's a pretty natural forward in terms of positioning.  He likes to be around the goal, and when crosses come in, he's looking to score.  That's what you want from a forward, and it definitely helped us today." John Basanese said following the game.

The match definitely had it's moments of brilliance, and some strange fouls, plus a small does of sloppy passes. Though La Soledad controlled much of the possession in the first half, they didn't really get a solid opportunity.

The Firecrackers welcomed Travis Bianchi back to the fold after his return from 25 stitches in his face.  His calming influence in the goal helped organize the defense, and keep the aggressors at bay.

At halftime, the score was 1-0.

The second half started off poorly, with the Firecrackers coming out flat.  La Soledad took advantage, and pulled level.  The goal, however, was somewhat controversial.

"I had called for a sub," said Josh Patton. "And the ref looked at me, then let them throw the ball in as I was running off the field.  I turned around, and my man was wide open to score the goal.  As soon as they scored, he said: "You want a sub?""

On the day, however, the referees were on their form. 

"I think the center ref was the best we've had in this league so far.  He really watches the off the ball stuff, and that's appreciated." David Ahgren said in the car on the way home from the game.

Shortly after the goal, the 'Crackers would wake up, and regain the advantage.

Brandon Stirm took a pass from David Ahlgren in the 18 yard box.  Stirm expertly settled the ball and placed an inside of the foot shot into the far post, side netting...past the diving goalkeeper. 2-0.

The goal broke La Soledad, who began fouling, but it was too late.  The game was in hand, and the season was off to a great start. 

Captain's Log can be found HERE.

Photos can be seen HERE.  Special thanks to Josh and Chris Dufer!!

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