[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 141 (Tuesday, November 18, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1615]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN RECOGNITION OF SACRAMENTO REPUBLIC FC

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 18, 2014

  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Sacramento 
Republic FC as the 2014 United Soccer League's (USL) Professional 
Division Champions in their inaugural season. As the team's players, 
coaches, fans and the Tower Bridge Battalion gather to celebrate, I ask 
my colleagues to join me in honoring the team for its remarkable 
success.
  The Sacramento Republic FC began their season strong, immediately 
breaking the single game attendance record for a USL Pro game with an 
attendance of 20,231 passionate fans cheering them on. The Sacramento 
Republic FC's triumph continued throughout the season. It was obvious 
the Sacramento fans immediately became passionate about the Republic, 
as evident through the various attendance records the team set. The 
team sold out tickets to the majority of their games and obliterated 
the USL Pro record for attendance in a season, drawing more than 
158,000 loyal fans to their home games at Hughes Stadium and Bonney 
Field. The previous single season record was just over 112,000. Their 
outstanding record of 12-2-2 in the regular season only built suspense 
for their dramatic playoff run. Hosting all three playoff games in 
front of a raucous crowd, the Sacramento Republic FC embodied 
Sacramento's spirit and concluded their magnificent inaugural season 
with a championship.
  The success of the Sacramento Republic FC brought a great sense of 
unity and comradery to the Sacramento Region. The Tower Bridge 
Battalion could be heard each game, giving their support by chanting a 
song for the team. Every game was filled with laughs, excitement, and 
anticipation by the fans and the team lived up to its motto ``Urbs 
Indomita,'' translating to mean ``The Indomitable City.'' That mantra 
swept through the city and was evident throughout the playoffs. The 
Sacramento Republic FC never failed to impress and their season ended 
with an exciting 2-0 victory in the USL Pro Championship game over the 
Harrisburg City Islanders in front of a capacity crowd at Bonney Field.
  The Sacramento Republic FC's victories and wins could not have been 
possible without a total team effort, including the coaches, the 
founders, and their dedicated fans. From co-founders Warren Smith and 
Joe Wagoner to investors Kevin Nagle and Larry Kelley to the animated 
Head Coach Predrag ``Preki'' Radosavljevic, everyone involved in the 
team made it a success.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to congratulate the Sacramento Republic FC 
for winning the 2014 USL Pro Championship. I ask my colleagues to join 
me in recognizing and congratulating them for their hard work, 
dedication, and their victory as the USL Pro Champions.

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