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Soccer Tournament Scores Big For Missing Children
By Keith Hagarty
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) got a boost last week from eight soccer teams comprised of police, firefighters and volunteers from across the tri-state region who got their kicks raising money for a good cause.
The two-day NCMEC Soccer Tournament was a big hit, as the perfect weekend weather and great competition and friendly rivalries contributed to the winning atmosphere, according to Jackson Police School Resource Officer John Pejoski, who helped organize the event.
"The tournament went well," said Pejoski. "We raised somewhere between $2,000 to $3,000."
Pejoski played for the local team, Jackson United, comprised of members from the Jackson Police, Fire Departments, Soccer Club and coaches. An avid soccer fan and player since he was a boy, Pejoski said the annual soccer tournament is always a big highlight of the year- even if he doesn't always light up the scoreboard.
"Unfortunately, I personally did not score any goals," said Pejoski. "I did play goalie in our last game, and even though we lost 4-2, I did make a pretty good save at the tail end of the game. Even the other team all said it was a good save."
Other local police officers participating in the tournament included Sgt. John Decker and Patrolman George Vidalis
Comprised solely of officers from various law enforcement agencies throughout the state, the New Jersey Strikers won the championship, beating NYPD Finest.
"The championship final ended in a 2-2 tie," said Pejoski. "In the penalty kicks overtime- probably the most exciting way to end any soccer championship final-the New Jersey Strikers scored five out five penalty kicks, while NYPD Finest scored their first four, but were stopped on their last shot, thus giving the New Jersey Strikers a 5-4 win in the 'PK's' (penalty kicks) and the championship."
For a complete breakdown of the tournament results, soccer fans and curious residents can visit the township Web site at www.jacksontwp.net.
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