[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 176 (Tuesday, December 9, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S16202]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CONGRATULATING THE SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES

  Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to the immediate consideration of S. Res. 280, submitted 
earlier today by Senators Boxer and Feinstein.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (S. Res. 280) congratulating the San Jose 
     Earthquakes for winning the 2003 Major League Soccer Cup.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.
  Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, on November 23, the San Jose Earthquakes 
became only the second team in Major League Soccer, MLS, history to win 
the MLS Cup more than once, beating the Chicago Fire 4-2 in a well-
fought match.
  In the championship game against Chicago, San Jose delighted a 
capacity crowd in Carson, CA by scoring four goals and saving one 
penalty kick. The game matched the excitement of the Western Conference 
final game, in which Landon Donovan--the two-time recipient of the U.S. 
National Team Player of the Year award--secured the Earthquakes' place 
in the Championship by netting a dramatic golden goal in the 117th 
minute.
  Californians should take great pride in this impressive 
accomplishment by the San Jose Earthquakes. The Earthquakes' success on 
the field was earned through the hard work of their outstanding 
athletes and coaches, and the encouragement of their fans. I 
congratulate them on their win and their second MLS Cup.
  Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution 
and preamble be agreed to, en bloc; that the motion to reconsider be 
laid upon the table; and that any statements relating to the resolution 
be printed in the Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution (S. Res. 280) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:

                              S. Res. 280

       Whereas on November 23, 2003, the San Jose Earthquakes 
     defeated the Chicago Fire to win the 2003 Major League Soccer 
     Cup;
       Whereas the San Jose Earthquakes achieved a 14-7-9 regular 
     season record to finish first in the Major League Soccer 
     Western Conference;
       Whereas the San Jose Earthquakes finished an extraordinary 
     season by overcoming injuries, adversity, and multiple-goal 
     deficits to reach the Major League Soccer Cup championship 
     match;
       Whereas in the championship match, the San Jose Earthquakes 
     and the Chicago Fire scored 6 goals combined, breaking the 
     Major League Soccer Cup championship match scoring record;
       Whereas head coach Frank Yallop led the San Jose 
     Earthquakes to victory;
       Whereas the San Jose Earthquakes is a team of world-class 
     players, including Jeff Agoos, Arturo Alvarez, Brian Ching, 
     Jon Conway, Ramiro Corrales, Troy Dayak, Dwayne De Rosario, 
     Landon Donovan, Todd Dunivant, Ronnie Ekelund, Rodrigo Faria, 
     Manny Lagos, Roger Levesque, Brain Mullan, Richard Mulrooney, 
     Pat Onstad, Eddie Robinson, Chris Roner, Ian Russell, Josh 
     Saunders, Craig Waibel, and Jamil Walker, all of whom 
     contributed extraordinary performances throughout the regular 
     season, playoffs and Major League Soccer Cup;
       Whereas San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Ronnie Ekelund 
     scored in the fifth minute of play, tying Eduardo Hurtado for 
     the fastest goal scored in a Major League Soccer Cup 
     championship match;
       Whereas with the victory, San Jose Earthquakes captain Jeff 
     Agoos won his second Major League Soccer Cup for the San Jose 
     Earthquakes and his fifth Major League Soccer Cup overall;
       Whereas San Jose Earthquakes forward Landon Donovan, who 
     has been named United States National Team Player of the Year 
     twice, scored 2 goals on 2 shots in the championship match, 
     earning the Honda Major League Soccer Cup Most Valuable 
     Player Award;
       Whereas by winning the 2003 Major League Soccer Cup, the 
     San Jose Earthquakes join DC United to become the second team 
     in Major League Soccer history to win the Major League Soccer 
     Cup more than once;
       Whereas the San Jose Earthquakes have brought great pride 
     to the City of San Jose and to the State of California;
       Whereas Major League Soccer has become extremely popular in 
     only 8 seasons; and
       Whereas the success of Major League Soccer has contributed 
     to the growing popularity of soccer in the United States in 
     recent years: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) congratulates the San Jose Earthquakes for winning the 
     2003 Major League Soccer Cup;
       (2) recognizes the achievement of the players, coaches, 
     staff, and supporters of the San Jose Earthquakes in bringing 
     the 2003 Major League Soccer Cup to San Jose;
       (3) commends the San Jose community for its enthusiastic 
     support of the San Jose Earthquakes; and
       (4) expresses the hope that Major League Soccer will 
     continue to inspire fans and young players in the United 
     States and around the world by producing teams of the high 
     caliber of the San Jose Earthquakes.

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