[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 160 (Wednesday, December 14, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2527]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING THE LOS ANGELES GALAXY ON THEIR VICTORY IN THE 2005 
                    MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. XAVIER BECERRA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 13, 2005

  Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the players, 
coaches, staff, and owners of the Los Angeles Galaxy for winning the 
2005 Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup Championship and to pay tribute to 
this historic feat.
  On November 13, 2005 in Frisco, Texas, the Galaxy became the 10th MLS 
Champion by defeating the New England Revolution by a score of 1-0 in 
extra time. This is the Galaxy's second MLS championship and represents 
only the third time in league history that a team has won the 
``domestic double''--the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and the MLS Cup 
Championship in the same year.
  The team was challenged throughout the entire season both from 
sustaining several injuries and also player absences due to call-ups by 
the United States Men's National Team The Galaxy's ability to overcome 
these adversities is a testament to the skill of the coaching staff and 
the talent of players who never once compromised team cohesiveness for 
individual glory.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to recognize the 
individual players for their role in developing this championship team. 
This year's superb squad was led by team captain Peter Vagenas and a 
terrific line up that included 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, Troy Roberts, Marcelo 
Saragosa, Josh Saunders, Michael Umana, and the 2005 MLS Cup's Most 
Valuable Player, midfielder Guillermo ``Pando'' Ramirez.
  The coaching crew was also instrumental in cultivating this 
triumphant team. The fantastic staff was led by head coach Steve 
Sampson; assistant coaches Afshin Ghotbi, Billy McNicol, and Ignacio 
Hernandez; Head Athletic Trainer Ivan Pierra; Team Administrator 
Anthony Garcia; and Equipment Manager Raul Vargas.
  Mr. Speaker, my hometown of Los Angeles has the best fans any team 
can ask for. They are more than just spectators, they are the 12th 
player on the field--building momentum and inspiring their team to 
fight on to victory. These devoted and spirited fans contributed to 
eight sold out home games and brought the average home game attendance 
to 24,000 people this season.
  The Los Angeles Galaxy deserves as many accolades for their heroic 
work off the field as they do for their gallant efforts on the field. 
During the past several years, the Galaxy Foundation has hosted the 
Foundation's Feast, which provides Thanksgiving dinner for 200 needy 
children and families. The Foundation also hosts a special holiday 
shopping spree for children selected by several local Salvation Army 
chapters.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Chairman Tom Davis, Ranking Member 
Henry Waxman, Congressman Chris Cannon, and Congressman Danny Davis for 
their help in bringing H. Res. 574 to the floor today.
  The Los Angeles Galaxy is a truly remarkable team whose high 
standards of excellence, professionalism, demonstrated courage, 
sacrifice, and teamwork should be commended. Their passion continues to 
captivate a growing and diverse fan base from all across Southern 
California.
  Mr. Speaker and fellow colleagues, please join me and all soccer fans 
from across the country and the around world in congratulating the 2005 
Major League Soccer Cup Champions Los Angeles Galaxy.

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