IV 

109TH CONGRESS 

1ST SESSION H. RES. 443 

Congratulating the United States Men’s National Soccer Team on qualifying 

for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. 

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

SEPTEMBER 14, 2005 

Mr. WALSH (for himself and Mr. UDALL of Colorado) submitted the following 

resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Government Reform 

RESOLUTION 

Congratulating the United States Men’s National Soccer 

Team on qualifying for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. 

Whereas the successful qualification of the United States 

Men’s National Soccer Team for the 2006 FIFA World 

Cup Soccer Tournament marks the program’s fifth consecutive appearance in what is considered the world’s 

most watched sporting event; 

Whereas the team formally secured its World Cup qualification with a thrilling 2–0 victory over archrival and neighbor Mexico on September 3 in Columbus, Ohio; 

Whereas this victory marked the second time that Coach 

Bruce Arena has guided the Team to World Cup qualification, improving his all-time home qualifying record to 

an impressive 14 wins, with only one loss and 2 draws; 
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•HRES 443 IH 

Whereas this victory marks the seventh time the United 

States has hosted Mexico since 2000, collecting an overall 

record of 6 wins, one draw, and zero losses, while 

outscoring Mexico in these matches by a total of 11 goals 

to zero; 

Whereas the United States became the first national team 

from the North American, Central American, and Caribbean region to secure its passage to the 2006 World Cup 

and qualified with 3 regional qualifying matches still to 

be played; 

Whereas the terrific run of success enjoyed by the Team 

dates back to the eighth place finish in the 2002 FIFA 

World Cup in Korea and Japan, and has catapulted the 

United States to its highest ever world ranking at 6th, 

just behind Mexico, and ahead of such soccer powers as 

England, Spain, France, Italy, and Germany; 

Whereas in addition to the victory over Mexico on September 

3, the recent record of the Team includes important victories over regional foes Jamaica, El Salvador, Trinidad 

& Tobago, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Panama, given 

the United States an overall record during the cycle of 

2006 World Cup qualification of 11 wins, one loss, and 

3 draws, with 32 goals scored and only 8 conceded; 

Whereas the United States is one of only 8 nations expected 

to qualify to compete in the 5 most recent World Cups, 

including next year’s event in Germany; 

Whereas nearly 40 different players have directly contributed 

for the United States during this excellent run of qualification matches, with each athlete proudly displaying the 

commitment and pride that comes from putting on the 

game uniform of his country; 
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•HRES 443 IH 

Whereas the performance against Mexico further highlights a 

roster of players that successfully combines established 

veterans with promising, new talent, including Kasey Keller, Frankie Hejduk, Oguchi Onyewu, Gregg Berhalter, 

Eddie Lewis, Steve Ralston, Captain Claudio Reyna, 

Chris Armas, DaMarcus Beasley, Landon Donovan, 

Brian McBride, Santino Quaranta, Pablo Mastroeni, Jeff 

Cunningham, Marcus Hahnemann, Carlos Bocanegra, 

Jimmy Conrad, Taylor Twellman, Josh Wolff, Steve 

Cherundolo, Eddie Pope, John O’Brien, Bobby Convey, 

Clint Dempsey, Chad Marshall, Greg Vanney, and others; 

Whereas this talented blend of experience and enthusiasm indicates that the United States continues to develop 

world-class players, capable of inspiring young people 

across the country, and that the Team’s future is bright; 

Whereas the Team’s achievement reflects the continued explosive growth in popularity of soccer in the United 

States and symbolizes the emerging role of soccer for 

young Americans in sports and society; and 

Whereas the Team’s performance speaks to parents about the 

importance of athletic participation for building character 

and promoting healthy lifestyles and positive choices in 

their children: Now, therefore, be it 

1 Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 

2 (1) congratulates the United States Men’s Na3 tional Soccer Team on qualifying for the 2006 FIFA 

4 World Cup; 

5 (2) recognizes Team head coach Bruce Arena, 

6 his assistant coaches, trainers, and managers, and 
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•HRES 443 IH 

1 every player on the Team for their dedication to ex2 cellence; and 

3 (3) commends the United States Soccer Federa4 tion, Major League Soccer, the United States Soccer 

5 Foundation, and the supporters, coaches, and par6 ents of young soccer players around the country for 

7 their role in the success of soccer in the United 

8 States. 

Æ