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Above: Jeff Coggan, Donny Dequine, John
Basanese, Garrett Ruiz, and Jimmy Coggan
VC
alum help guide club side 'Firecrackers' to a San Jose City Wide
Division I title 7/17
Monday night, July 17th
2006 was a special night for several reasons. The
San Jose Firecrackers won
it's first ever City Wide League Championship in front of close to 100
fans at Watson bowl. Perhaps more intriguing was the fact that the
team has 11 Valley Christian Alumni on it's roster.
The game was high spirited,
but the 'Crackers knocked off #1 seeded, and undefeated Mundialito 4-2.
VC Coach John Basanese ('96)
scored the first goal, and Jimmy Coggan ('03) added a goal (assisted by
John), and two assists.
Jeff Coggan and Donny Dequine started in the center midfield
together for the first time since Jeff's freshman year in High School.
Dequine, entering his final year at Azusa Pacific, was a senior at the
time.
"I have to admit, today was
a pretty cool day for me. This team not only includes my brothers
and best friend, but also some kids that I care a great deal about that
used to play for me," commented Basanese.
"If you would've told me
that I would one day get to play up top with Jimmy, and have Donny
Dequine, Brandon Stirm, Ronnie Jenkins, Garrett Ruiz, and Jeff Coggan
passing me the ball...I would've really looked forward to today.
This is a day I'll remember for a long time." added the 5th year coach.
While all of the VC Alum
played well, two really stuck out.
Garrett Ruiz had to mark
the other team's key player, and on several occasions snuffed out good
scoring opportunities.
"Garrett really kept us in
that game. They had a few chances early, and if they had
scored...the result may have turned out differently," Captain Antonio
Favela said following the game.
Also, fitting into his
familiar role, was Jeff Coggan. He lived up to the billing as he
controlled the game with deft passes, and calm control on the ball.
"That kid is magical" said
Firecracker's photographer John Basanese Sr. "It's really been a
pleasure watching him for these past four years!"
The fun is not over yet!
The San Jose Firecrackers will travel to the Morgan Hill Soccer Complex
this weekend to participate in the O'Connor Cup, an open tournament that
has 48 teams participating.
The tourney will be a
farewell spectacle for Jim, Jeff, Ronnie, Brandon, and Donny as they
head to their respective colleges for their seasons.
Come watch the games.
The schedule will be posted at
www.sjfirecrackers.com! |
