[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 127 (Monday, November 13, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2000-E2001]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO THE HOUSTON DYNAMO AND THE CITY OF HOUSTON FOR WINNING THE 
                   2006 MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER (MLS) CUP

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 13, 2006

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
the Houston Dynamo and the city of Houston for winning its first 2006 
Major League Soccer Cup.
  In front of thousands of soccer fans at Pizza Hut Park, the Houston 
Dynamo emerged victorious against the New England Revolution with a 
score of 4 to 3 on penalty kicks after the teams played to a 1-1 draw 
through regulation and extra time.
  This is a fitting conclusion to an amazing season. Congratulations to 
Kelly Gray, Stuart Holden, Dwayne De Rosario and Brian Ching who 
successfully converted from the penalty spot in the shootout. Brian 
Ching was recognized as the match's Most Valuable Player.
  This is the Dynamo's first season in Houston, and they have surely 
made a warm welcome for themselves. The team is lead by 2005 Major 
League Soccer Coach of the Year, Dominic Kinnear. Let me acknowledge 
Dynamo investor/operator Philip Anschutz for the time and commitment he 
has given to U.S. soccer and the city of Houston. I also congratulate 
the players and their families for making the transition (from San 
Jose) to Houston. For the players and their families to pick up and 
come to Houston, Texas and do what they've done this year is 
impressive. We welcome you with open arms, and we remain devoted to 
your success. Also, a big thank you and congratulations to Oliver Luck 
and the entire Dynamo management team family!
  The team was created on December 15, 2005 when the San Jose 
Earthquakes were relocated, allegedly due to San Jose's failure to 
secure a soccer-specific stadium. Even though all of San Jose's players 
and coaches moved to Houston, the team's name, logo, history and 
statistics were not transferred.
  The name ``Dynamo'' refers to Houston's industrial economy and is an 
allusion to the various Eastern European soccer teams who are called 
``Dynamo'', most notably Dynamo Dresden, FC Dynamo Kyiv and FC Dynamo 
Moscow. Although unrelated, there was a previous professional soccer 
team called the Houston Dynamos that played in the old United Soccer 
League in 1984. The team colors are orange, white, and black.
  The Houston Dynamo play their home matches at Robertson Stadium--a 
33,000-seat sports stadium located on the University of Houston campus 
in southeast Houston. A three-year lease was signed to play at the 
stadium while plans for a soccer-specific stadium are finalized.
  This is the Dynamo's first championship in this league, though 
several of their players won titles with the team's previous 
incarnation, the San Jose Earthquakes.
  My heartiest congratulations, and I look forward to many more 
celebrations with Houston Dynamo in Houston, Texas.
  I look forward to a community-based celebration in heir home stadium 
in the 18th Congressional district at Robertson Stadium.

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