Sheraton Football Tornament 2008

Perfection from Pearson

There are a handful of occasions that have been burned into the collective consciousness of football aficionados over the past 40 years… Carlos Alberto’s spectacular 4th goal in the Estadio Azteca during the 1970 World Cup Final,
Marco van Basten’s acute dipping volley in Euro 88 and perhaps most memorable for English fans Geoff Hurst 3rd goal in the dying seconds of the World Cup final in 1966. Those fortunate enough to attend the second Sheraton Building football championships were fortunate to see a goal that surpasses all of these undeniably great goals. Picture the scene if you will, with both Italy and France deadlocked at 0 – 0 after a tense cagey match, both teams now faced the lottery of the dreaded penalty shootout. Both goalkeepers, James Murphy (Italy) and Gavin Cummings (France) played heroically saving all of the penalties, until Ann Pearson, with calm authority placed the ball on the penalty spot; it was if time stood still. She serenely approached the ball and using her unorthodox technique sent the goal keeper the wrong way. The stadium erupted; the fans could not believe what they had just witnessed. After the tension was lifted France cruised to victory in the final match against Portugal and were crowned Sheraton Football Champions, the winning team consisted of Anthony Mulgrew, Philip Finley, Stephen Flandin, Gavin Cummings and the young lady whose name will be remembered in the annals of football history for many years to come Ann Pearson.
By The Sheraton Sports Correspondents