[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 20 (Monday, February 3, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E155]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO SPORTING KANSAS CITY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEVIN YODER

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, February 3, 2014

  Mr. YODER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the major league 
soccer team from my home, the Kansas 3rd Congressional District--
Sporting Kansas City. In early December, 2013, Sporting KC squared off 
against Real Salt Lake in the MLS Cup final match at Sporting Park in 
Kansas City, Kansas. The victory gave Sporting KC their first Major 
League Soccer title in thirteen years, and was only decided after 10 
rounds of penalty kicks. When all was final, Sporting KC was victorious 
7-6 in a shoot-out win, bringing the Philip Anschutz Trophy to Kansas 
City.
  Sporting KC head coach Peter Vermes and the entire roster of players, 
including MVP defender Aurelien Collin, brought so much excitement to 
our community throughout the 2013 season. To have the Championship 
match played out in Sporting Park, in front of more than 21,000 loyal 
fans, only maximized the energy and atmosphere that night in December 
and it was simply amazing.
  We greatly appreciate the investment and leadership of Robb Heineman, 
Cliff Illig, Neal Patterson, Pat Curran and Greg Maday. Bringing 
Sporting KC to Kansas has been great for the team and the entire 
community.
  Mr. Speaker, the Sporting Kansas City soccer team is the first major 
league sports team to win a league championship at home in Kansas City 
since 1985. The pride and excitement the entire Kansas City community 
has with the club is great, and we all congratulate Sporting KC, the 
players and coaches, the organization staff, and everyone with a role 
at the park on their 2013 Major League Soccer Cup Championship. You 
make us proud.

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