[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 138 (Tuesday, December 7, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2197-E2198]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING D.C. UNITED AS THE MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER CHAMPIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 7, 2004

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate D.C. United on 
winning the Major League Soccer Championship Cup on November 14, 2004. 
D.C. United beat the Kansas City Wizards 3-2 to win its fourth MLS 
championship in the league's nine-year existence. Alecko Eskandarian 
scored United's first two goals, leading D.C. to the MLS title. D.C. 
United has been the District's most successful sports franchise in 
recent history and has been called the most successful club in MLS 
history. The team is a metaphor for the extraordinary progress our city 
itself has made--balanced budgets and surpluses, retaining and 
attracting homeowners, and a renaissance in economic development 
throughout the District of Columbia.
  The mighty Black and Red recently celebrated their triumph with a 
victory rally at RFK Stadium, giving more than 1,000 fans an 
opportunity to get up close and personal with players, pose for 
pictures and get autographs. During the rally, Mayor Anthony Williams 
hailed the ``dedication, teamwork and vision'' of the champs, declaring 
November 17 ``D.C. United Day'' in the nation's capital. Team captain 
Ryan Nelsen thanked ``the 12th man'', the great fans of D.C. United.
  In a season dominated by news about the signing of our big catch, 15 
year old soccer phenom Freddy Adu, first-year coach Peter Nowak moved 
the focus off the media hype and with his team-oriented philosophy 
steered United to capture its first Cup since 1999. Nowak said, ``They 
have real attitude and a winning mentality, they're always going to 
come first and they're always going to be the winners. They shared my 
vision and they got the cup at the end.''
  Giving Adu his ``props,'' however, Freddy became the youngest player 
ever to win a championship in a major U.S. professional team sport. The 
unassuming teenager, though, preferred to focus on the team's 
accomplishments rather than his own.
  D.C. United also won championships in 1996 and 1997. Unfortunately, 
after its 1999 MLS Cup, the team missed the playoffs in 2000, 2001 and 
2002. But the road back to the top of the league became painted with 
hard work, patience and a determined eye toward winning the Cup back.
  The team is currently conducting its annual United Holiday Toy Drive 
benefiting Children's National Medical Center. They invite the public

[[Page E2198]]

to bring donated toys to RFK Stadium and receive a free set of signed 
player cards. The toy drive is just one of the United's four community 
outreach programs. Kicks for Kids provides 10,000 disadvantaged youth 
with free game tickets, meal vouchers and promotional items; United 
donates much-needed items such as youth soccer equipment and school 
supplies to area non-profit organizations; and team coaches and players 
run six free children's soccer clinics each year.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask Congress to recognize D.C. United for its spirit 
and excellence on and off the field, as the nation's capital celebrates 
the Major League Soccer Champions.

                          ____________________