[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 57 (Thursday, March 31, 2022)]
[House]
[Page H4015]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             CONGRATULATING U.S. MEN'S NATIONAL SOCCER TEAM

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. LaHood) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the United 
States men's national soccer team on qualifying for the 2022 World Cup 
this November in Qatar.
  Last night, the U.S. men's national soccer team completed their 
qualifying campaign in Costa Rica. It was a fitting ending to the 
team's qualifying run, filled with ups and downs and exciting matches, 
including big wins over Mexico, Panama, Jamaica, and Costa Rica.
  After missing out on the 2018 World Cup, the United States team is 
headed back to the World Cup for the first time in 8 years.
  From day one of the 2022 qualifying campaign, Coach Gregg Berhalter 
and the team set out on one mission and one goal, and that was to 
qualify. Bolstered by a golden generation of young and exciting talent, 
including players such as Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, Weston 
McKennie, Tyler Adams, Tim Weah, and many others, the U.S. put together 
a strong qualifying performance, including an undefeated record against 
the Mexican national team this past year, which is the first time that 
has been done in decades.
  I am proud that Illinois is home to the United States Soccer 
Federation, which supports our men's and women's programs at all 
levels.
  I know I join with many in Congress and across the country in 
congratulating the U.S. men's national soccer team. This qualification 
is a well-deserved result that is a testament to the hard work put in 
by all of U.S. soccer and the men's team.
  The team has made their country proud, and I look forward to cheering 
them on at the World Cup in November.

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