[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 21]
[House]
[Pages 28004-28005]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING THE LOS ANGELES GALAXY ON THEIR VICTORY IN THE 2005 
                    MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP

  Mr. CANNON. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 574) congratulating the Los Angeles Galaxy on their 
victory in the 2005 Major League Soccer championship.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                              H. Res. 574

       Whereas on November 13, 2005, the Los Angeles Galaxy won 
     the 2005 Major League Soccer (MLS) championship by defeating 
     the New England Revolution 1-0 in MLS Cup 2005, in Frisco, 
     Texas;
       Whereas the Galaxy's victory in MLS Cup 2005 was the team's 
     second MLS championship in the last four years, the first 
     also won over the New England Revolution in a 1-0 victory in 
     MLS Cup 2002;
       Whereas the victory in the MLS Cup gave the Galaxy their 
     second major championship of 2005, the first won by defeating 
     FC Dallas in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup championship game 
     in September;
       Whereas the owner of the Los Angeles Galaxy, Anschutz 
     Entertainment Group, has made the Galaxy the model MLS club 
     through sound management and by instilling a team-first 
     philosophy;
       Whereas Galaxy's success is a result of contributions by 
     the entire team, including players Chris Albright, Benjamin 
     Benditson, Pablo Chinchilla, Mubarike Chisoni, Steve Cronin, 
     Ednaldo da Conceicao, Landon Donovan, Todd Dunivant, Michael 
     Enfield, Josh Gardner, Herculez Gomez, Guillermo Gonzalez, 
     Alan Gordon, Ned Grabavoy, Kevin Hartman, Ugo Ihemelu, David 
     Johnson, Cobi Jones, Quavas Kirk, Tyrone Marshall, Paulo 
     Nagamura, Joseph Ngwenya, Michael Nsien, Guillermo Ramirez, 
     Troy Roberts, Marcelo Saragosa, Josh Saunders, Michael Umana, 
     and Peter Vagenas;
       Whereas head coach Steve Sampson, and assistant coaches 
     Afshin Ghotbi, Billy McNicol, and Ignacio Hernandez, Head 
     Athletic Trainer Ivan Pierra, Team Administrator Anthony 
     Garcia, and Equipment Manager Raul Vargas led the Galaxy to 
     their second MLS championship by stressing teamwork and 
     determination;
       Whereas the Galaxy went undefeated during the 2005 MLS 
     playoffs, advancing to the MLS Cup by defeating the top-
     seeded San Jose Earthquakes and the Colorado Rapids in the 
     Western Conference playoffs and scoring seven goals and 
     allowing just one over the span of four games, which included 
     three shutouts;
       Whereas the Galaxy's ability to win this season despite 
     several player absences due to call-ups by the United States 
     men's national team is a testament to the skill of the 
     coaching staff and the desire of the team to play with pride 
     for the city of Los Angeles;
       Whereas midfielder Guillermo Ramirez, who scored the game-
     winning goal of MLS Cup 2005 in overtime, was selected as the 
     game's Most Valuable Player, joining fellow Guatemalan and 
     2002 MLS Cup MVP Carlos Ruiz as the only Galaxy players ever 
     to win this prestigious award;
       Whereas the Galaxy have the most devoted and spirited fans 
     who contributed to eight sold out home games and brought the 
     average home game attendance to 24,000 people this season;
       Whereas the Galaxy continue to captivate a growing and 
     diverse audience from across Southern California; and
       Whereas all of Southern California is proud of the 
     accomplishments of the Los Angeles Galaxy team, the entire 
     Galaxy organization, and the dedicated and faithful Galaxy 
     fans throughout the 2005 MLS season: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) congratulates the Los Angeles Galaxy on their victory 
     in the 2005 Major League Soccer championship; and
       (2) recognizes the dedication and teamwork of all the 
     players, coaches, and staff of the Galaxy, all of whom were 
     instrumental in helping the Galaxy win their second MLS Cup 
     championship.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Utah (Mr. Cannon) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) each will 
control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Utah.


                             General Leave

  Mr. CANNON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks 
and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Utah?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. CANNON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. 
Mr. Speaker, I rise with some jealousy in support of House Resolution 
574, introduced by the distinguished gentleman from California (Mr. 
Becerra). This resolution would congratulate the Los Angeles Galaxy on 
their victory in the 2005 Major League Soccer championship. It is my 
hope that the Salt Lake Real may someday emulate the Galaxy.
  The second MLS title for the club, the 1-0 win over the New England 
Revolution in extra time, marked the dominance of one of the most 
experienced and talented teams in Major League Soccer. Although a 
veteran squad, the beginning of the season was plagued with 
inconsistent play in which the team fought to recover. The ups and 
downs of the season, however, did not stop the Galaxy from 
concentrating on reaching the title contest.
  After a loss in the regular season finale, the Galaxy made one of the 
most impressive runs in playoff history. They knocked off the number 
one seed in the West in the first round and then took the road to beat 
Colorado. Finally, when reaching the championship, they took out the 
number one seeded team in the East with a thrilling goal from Guillermo 
Ramirez in the first overtime period. Now qualified for two 
international tournaments next season, the Galaxy has a chance to 
repeat as MLS champions, as well as a chance to give their fans and 
supporters an even more exciting and satisfying season.
  I urge all Members to join me in congratulating the Los Angeles 
Galaxy in their successful and momentous season by adopting House 
Resolution 574.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, on November 13, 2005, the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major 
League Soccer became only the third team in Major League Soccer history 
to win the MLS cup more than once. The storied history of the Galaxy 
has included an impressive five appearances in the MLS cup, 
championship and two victories. The Galaxy is one of the premier teams 
in Major League Soccer and has made the playoffs in all nine seasons of 
MLS history.
  The Galaxy is beloved by their fans and boasts one of the strongest 
fan bases in the league. Over 88,000 fans jammed the stadium and hills 
around the stadium to watch their team in an exhibition match with 
Mexican League team Chivas USA in what is being dubbed as the Super 
Classico. The Galaxy not only came away victorious but showed the crowd 
that professional soccer has come into its own in the United States.
  The Galaxy overcame significant odds to win this title. They lost 
players to injury and to the U.S. national team, but the team 
persevered. The Galaxy recorded an amazing three

[[Page 28005]]

shut-out victories on the way to their second MLS cup, and they 
outscored their opponents in the playoffs by a margin of seven goals to 
just one. This was truly a dominating performance by the Galaxy. They 
represented the City of Los Angeles and their fans with honor, and so I 
encourage this body to recognize their accomplishments by supporting 
this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I do not believe that I am going to have any other 
requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. CANNON. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Becerra) for having introduced this bill, and I urge 
Members to support adoption of House Resolution 574.
  Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the players, 
coaches, staff, and owners of the Los Angeles Galaxy for winning the 
2005 Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup Championship and to pay tribute to 
this historic feat.
  On November 13, 2005 in Frisco, Texas, the Galaxy became the 10th MLS 
Champion by defeating the New England Revolution by a score of 1-0 in 
extra time. This is the Galaxy's second MLS championship and represents 
only the third time in league history that a team has won the 
``domestic double''--the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and the MLS Cup 
Championship in the same year.
  The team was challenged throughout the entire season both from 
sustaining several injuries and also player absences due to call-ups by 
the United States Men's National Team The Galaxy's ability to overcome 
these adversities is a testament to the skill of the coaching staff and 
the talent of players who never once compromised team cohesiveness for 
individual glory.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to recognize the 
individual players for their role in developing this championship team. 
This year's superb squad was led by team captain Peter Vagenas and a 
terrific line up that included Chris Albright, Benjamin Benditson, 
Pablo Chinchilla, Mubarike Chisoni, Steve Cronin, Ednaldo da Conceicao, 
Landon Donovan, Todd Dunivant, Michael Enfield, Josh Gardner, Herculez 
Gomez, Guillermo Gonzalez, Alan Gordon, Ned Grabavoy, Kevin Hartman, 
Ugo Ihemelu, David Johnson, Cobi Jones, Quavas Kirk, Tyrone Marshall, 
Paulo Nagamura, Joseph Ngwenya, Michael Nsien, Troy Roberts, Marcelo 
Saragosa, Josh Saunders, Michael Umana, and the 2005 MLS Cup's Most 
Valuable Player, midfielder Guillermo ``Pando'' Ramirez.
  The coaching crew was also instrumental in cultivating this 
triumphant team. The fantastic staff was led by head coach Steve 
Sampson; assistant coaches Afshin Ghotbi, Billy McNicol, and Ignacio 
Hernandez; Head Athletic Trainer Ivan Pierra; Team Administrator 
Anthony Garcia; and Equipment Manager Raul Vargas.
  Mr. Speaker, my hometown of Los Angeles has the best fans any team 
can ask for. They are more than just spectators, they are the 12th 
player on the field--building momentum and inspiring their team to 
fight on to victory. These devoted and spirited fans contributed to 
eight sold out home games and brought the average home game attendance 
to 24,000 people this season.
  The Los Angeles Galaxy deserves as many accolades for their heroic 
work off the field as they do for their gallant efforts on the field. 
During the past several years, the Galaxy Foundation has hosted the 
Foundation's Feast, which provides Thanksgiving dinner for 200 needy 
children and families. The Foundation also hosts a special holiday 
shopping spree for children selected by several local Salvation Army 
chapters.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Chairman Tom Davis, Ranking Member 
Henry Waxman, Congressman Chris Cannon, and Congressman Danny Davis for 
their help in bringing H. Res. 574 to the floor today.
  The Los Angeles Galaxy is a truly remarkable team whose high 
standards of excellence, professionalism, demonstrated courage, 
sacrifice, and teamwork should be commended. Their passion continues to 
captivate a growing and diverse fan base from all across Southern 
California.
  Mr. Speaker and fellow colleagues, please join me and all soccer fans 
from across the country and the around world in congratulating the 2005 
Major League Soccer Cup Champions Los Angeles Galaxy.
  Mr. CANNON. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Utah (Mr. Cannon) that the House suspend the rules and 
agree to the House resolution, H. Res. 574.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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