[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. ____________________