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[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 443 Introduced in House (IH)]

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;
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;
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
    Resolved,  That the House of Representatives--
            (1) congratulates the United States Men's National Soccer 
        Team on qualifying for the 2006 FIFA World Cup;
            (2) recognizes Team head coach Bruce Arena, his assistant 
        coaches, trainers, and managers, and every player on the Team 
        for their dedication to excellence; and
            (3) commends the United States Soccer Federation, Major 
        League Soccer, the United States Soccer Foundation, and the 
        supporters, coaches, and parents of young soccer players around 
        the country for their role in the success of soccer in the 
        United States.
                                 <all>
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