[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 160 (Tuesday, December 7, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2065-E2066]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE SEATTLE SOUNDERS FOOTBALL CLUB FOR THEIR VICTORY IN THE 
                           2010 U.S. OPEN CUP

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ADAM SMITH

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 7, 2010

  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
Seattle Sounders Football Club for their successful season and their 
back-to-back U.S. Open Cup Championships.
  The Seattle Sounders joined Major League Soccer as an expansion team 
and played their inaugural match on March 19, 2009. The Sounders have 
since been a successful team having sold out every league match and set 
Major League Soccer records for average attendance, leading the league 
in ticket sales. The Seattle Sounders have also made the record books 
by winning the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup for a second consecutive time, 
being the first Major League Soccer team and the first team in 27 years 
to repeat as champions. The Seattle Sounders finished the regular 2010 
season with 14 wins and has lost fewer matches in their first two 
seasons than any club in the league's 15-year existence. A

[[Page E2066]]

record crowd of 31,311 filled Qwest Field to witness the Seattle 
Sounders 2-1 victory over the Columbus Crew to win the 2010 Open Cup 
for the second consecutive time on October 5, 2010.
  The Sounders have won the hearts of the Greater Seattle Community 
through their dedication and passion for the game. The players have 
been great role models for our community. In their ongoing commitment 
to the community and fans, minority owner Drew Carey established The 
Alliance, which is the Seattle Sounders Football Club Members 
Association. The Alliance is the only United States professional sports 
members association that allows its fans to vote on the direction and 
decisions of the team. The Alliance establishes true Democracy in 
sports.
  The Seattle Sounders Football Club earned their championship through 
hard work, commitment, and support. Coach Sigi Schmid, who now leads 
Major League Soccer in career victories, leads the team of 28. Team 
members include Osvaldo Alonso, Terry Boss, David Estrada, Brad Evans, 
Alvaro Fernandez, Michael Fucito, Leo Gonzalez, Taylor Graham, Alex 
Horwath, Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, Patrick Ianni, Nate Jaqua, Kasey Keller, 
Roger Levesque, Tyrone Marshall, Miguel Montano, Fredy Montero, Blaise 
Nkufo, Pat Noonan, Sanna Nyassi, Jeff Parke, James Riley, Zach Scott, 
Mike Seamon, Peter Vagenas, Tyson Wahl, O'Brian White, and Steve 
Zakuani.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
the Seattle Sounders Football Club for their successful season and 
their second consecutive U.S. Open Cup Championship.

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