[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 19 (Wednesday, February 15, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E167-E168]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING UNIVERSITY OF PORTLAND WOMEN'S SOCCER TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 15, 2006

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, today I am honored to introduce this 
resolution congratulating the 2005 University of Portland

[[Page E168]]

women's soccer team for winning the National Collegiate Athletic 
Association Division I National Championship. The Pilots completed an 
undefeated season, capturing the National Championship by scoring four 
goals in their final game against the University of California, Los 
Angeles.
  Not only is this the University of Portland's second championship in 
four years, but the 2005 season was the most successful for the team to 
date. The Pilots set the University's women's soccer record with an 
undefeated season.
  The story of the 2005 season is illustrated with broken records. The 
loyal fans of the University of Portland set the NCAA season attendance 
record for both men's and women's soccer teams and led the Nation in 
average home attendance.
  There is no way one could speak to the accomplishments of the 
University of Portland soccer program without heralding the amazing 
talent of the coaching staff, both past and present. The program was 
brought to excellence by the late Clive Charles who was respected by 
soccer enthusiasts worldwide. In 2002, Charles led the Pilots to their 
first ever championship in any sport. Sadly, Charles died in 2003 from 
complications of prostate cancer.
  With Head Coach Garrett Smith now at the helm, the Pilots have 
continued their superiority on the soccer field. Coach Smith has 
devoted 18 honorable years to the University of Portland soccer 
program, both as a player and a coach, and his ability to lead his team 
with creativity and vision has earned him great respect.
  I wish warm congratulations to every player, coach, student, alumnus, 
faculty member, and supporter of the University of Portland. There is 
much to celebrate up on the ``Bluff' and the women's soccer team is a 
great example of the excellence the University produces and I hope you 
will join me in supporting this resolution.

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