[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 574 Engrossed in House (EH)]


H. Res. 574

                 In the House of Representatives, U.S.,

                                                     December 13, 2005.
Whereas on November 13, 2005, the Los Angeles Galaxy won the 2005 Major League 
        Soccer (MLS) championship by defeating the New England Revolution 1-0 in 
        MLS Cup 2005, in Frisco, Texas;
Whereas the Galaxy's victory in MLS Cup 2005 was the team's second MLS 
        championship in the last four years, the first also won over the New 
        England Revolution in a 1-0 victory in MLS Cup 2002;
Whereas the victory in the MLS Cup gave the Galaxy their second major 
        championship of 2005, the first won by defeating FC Dallas in the Lamar 
        Hunt U.S. Open Cup championship game in September;
Whereas the owner of the Los Angeles Galaxy, Anschutz Entertainment Group, has 
        made the Galaxy the model MLS club through sound management and by 
        instilling a team-first philosophy;
Whereas Galaxy's success is a result of contributions by the entire team, 
        including players Chris Albright, Benjamin Benditson, Pablo Chinchilla, 
        Mubarike Chisoni, Steve Cronin, Ednaldo da Conceicao, Landon Donovan, 
        Todd Dunivant, Michael Enfield, Josh Gardner, Herculez Gomez, Guillermo 
        Gonzalez, Alan Gordon, Ned Grabavoy, Kevin Hartman, Ugo Ihemelu, David 
        Johnson, Cobi Jones, Quavas Kirk, Tyrone Marshall, Paulo Nagamura, 
        Joseph Ngwenya, Michael Nsien, Guillermo Ramirez, Troy Roberts, Marcelo 
        Saragosa, Josh Saunders, Michael Umana, and Peter Vagenas;
Whereas head coach Steve Sampson, and assistant coaches Afshin Ghotbi, Billy 
        McNicol, and Ignacio Hernandez, Head Athletic Trainer Ivan Pierra, Team 
        Administrator Anthony Garcia, and Equipment Manager Raul Vargas led the 
        Galaxy to their second MLS championship by stressing teamwork and 
        determination;
Whereas the Galaxy went undefeated during the 2005 MLS playoffs, advancing to 
        the MLS Cup by defeating the top-seeded San Jose Earthquakes and the 
        Colorado Rapids in the Western Conference playoffs and scoring seven 
        goals and allowing just one over the span of four games, which included 
        three shutouts;
Whereas the Galaxy's ability to win this season despite several player absences 
        due to call-ups by the United States men's national team is a testament 
        to the skill of the coaching staff and the desire of the team to play 
        with pride for the city of Los Angeles;
Whereas midfielder Guillermo Ramirez, who scored the game-winning goal of MLS 
        Cup 2005 in overtime, was selected as the game's Most Valuable Player, 
        joining fellow Guatemalan and 2002 MLS Cup MVP Carlos Ruiz as the only 
        Galaxy players ever to win this prestigious award;
Whereas the Galaxy have the most devoted and spirited fans who contributed to 
        eight sold out home games and brought the average home game attendance 
        to 24,000 people this season;
Whereas the Galaxy continue to captivate a growing and diverse audience from 
        across Southern California; and
Whereas all of Southern California is proud of the accomplishments of the Los 
        Angeles Galaxy team, the entire Galaxy organization, and the dedicated 
        and faithful Galaxy fans throughout the 2005 MLS season: Now, therefore, 
        be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) congratulates the Los Angeles Galaxy on their victory in the 
        2005 Major League Soccer championship; and
            (2) recognizes the dedication and teamwork of all the players, 
        coaches, and staff of the Galaxy, all of whom were instrumental in 
        helping the Galaxy win their second MLS Cup championship.



            Attest:

                                                                 Clerk.