[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 176 (Tuesday, December 9, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2524]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               CONGRATULATING TO THE SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL M. HONDA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 8, 2003

  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate an extraordinary 
team on an extraordinary season. On Saturday, November 23, 2003, the 
San Jose Earthquakes became the second team in Major League Soccer 
history to win the Major League Soccer Cup multiple times, thrilling 
soccer fans around the country and around the world.
  The Earthquakes' 4-2 victory over the Chicago Fire showcased the 
team's explosive talent and demonstrated why soccer is one of the 
fastest growing sports in America today. This match featured more goals 
than a Major League Soccer championship has ever seen, including two 
from two-time U.S. National Team Player of the Year and MLS Cup MVP 
Landon Donovan.
  The Earthquakes' rise to the MLS championship game provided soccer 
fans with endless high drama, including a five-goal comeback against 
the Los Angeles Galaxy to advance to the Western Conference final, and 
a 3-2 victory over the Kansas City Wizards, in which Landon Donovan 
sealed the championship birth with a golden goal in the 117th minute of 
play.
  In the championship game itself, the San Jose Earthquakes showed a 
capacity crowd in Carson, California and a national audience four 
goals, one saved penalty kick, and 90 minutes of world-class soccer. 
Throughout that game, and throughout the season, the Earthquakes played 
aggressive, attacking, exciting soccer and delighted San Jose's growing 
legion of fans.
  The sportsmanship and gamesmanship of the Earthquakes have helped 
bring success to Major League Soccer. Only eight years old, this league 
has already captured the hearts and imaginations of soccer fans around 
the country and provided the United States with some of the world's 
best players--many of whom were instrumental in bringing our country to 
the quarterfinals of last years World Cup, held in Japan and Korea.
  Today, the Earthquakes are the pride, not only of San Jose, but also 
of America's entire sports community.
  I urge all of my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 2003 Major 
League Soccer Champions, and I congratulate the San Jose Earthquakes on 
a fantastic season.

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