Congratulating the San Jose Earthquakes for Winning the 2003 Major League Soccer Cup

CONGRATULATING THE SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES FOR WINNING THE 2003 MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER CUP -- (House of Representatives - March 09, 2004)

Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 475) congratulating the San Jose Earthquakes for winning the 2003 Major League Soccer Cup.

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Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the San Jose, CA Earthquakes for defeating the Chicago, IL Fire 4-2 on November 23, 2003 to win the 2003 Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup.

It was eight years ago that San Jose became the proud home of the MLS Earthquakes. In those short years, we have watched with excitement as the Earthquakes have become repeat champions and helped increase the popularity of soccer in our community and throughout the world.

The Earthquakes have many truly talented players. California native Landon Donovan for example is a two-time U.S. National Team Player of the Year and scored two goals in the championship game to earn him the MSL Cup Most Valuable Player Award. Even with individuals like Landon playing for the Earthquakes, their success has come, not as individuals but rather as a team.

It was as a team that the Earthquakes overcame injuries, critics and goal deficits throughout their 14-7-9 regular season and it was as a team that they became Major League Soccer's very best. Since coming to San Jose, the Earthquake's have represented our city with dignity.

Mr. Speaker, the San Jose Earthquakes are the standard to which all MLS teams should be compared. Their commitment to our community, the sport of soccer and to achieving excellence runs much further than any soccer field. Their success and good works are a staple in our city. For these reasons and many others, it is most appropriate that we congratulate the 2003 MLS Cup winning San Jose Earthquakes today.