[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 12516-12517]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 COMMENDING THE GEORGE MASON HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS' AND BOYS' SOCCER TEAMS 
               ON WINNING THE VIRGINIA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES P. MORAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 29, 2010

  Mr. MORAN of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to proudly 
recognize the George Mason High School girls' and boys' soccer teams 
for winning their respective State 1A Soccer Championships. On June 
12th at Radford University, the George Mason High School Mustangs of 
Falls Church valiantly defeated Radford High School 3-1 to capture 
their third consecutive state title. The following day, the boys' team 
displayed equally outstanding talent by defeating Radford 2-1 to 
capture their second consecutive state championship.
  The girls' championship win follows a remarkable season of 18 wins, 3 
losses, and 1 tie. Junior midfielder Hannah Walker scored twice and 
sophomore forward Leah Roth had a goal and an assist. Nichole Mitchell 
played tough as the starting goalkeeper, only allowing one goal in the 
net from a penalty kick. After the final moment of the game, the George 
Mason players victoriously rushed the field

[[Page 12517]]

and saluted their fans that had traveled 4 hours to watch the game.
  The boys' championship game was led by Mustang seniors Nick 
Smirniotopoulos and Andrew Arias following a remarkable season of 19 
wins, only 1 loss, and 4 ties. This is the second year in a row that 
the George Mason boys' soccer team has captured the state title. 
Smirniotopoulos, recently named to the 2010 All-Met team by the 
Washington Post, and Arias, each scored a goal to clinch the win. Just 
before halftime, junior goalkeeper Tyler Back made a remarkable save on 
a breakaway. Also standing as stalwarts on the defensive end were 
senior Natan Lailari and junior Franky Andrianarison. Like their 
counterparts on the girls' team, the lone goal scored against them came 
from a penalty shot.
  I extend my congratulations to all of the athletes, coaches, and the 
entire George Mason High School community for their historic victories. 
Winning a state championship takes hundreds of hours of practice, 
preparation, and hard work. May your perseverance, strength, and 
diligence stay with you through all of your journeys in life.

                          ____________________