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Honoring University of Portland Women's Soccer Team

Date: Feb. 15, 2006
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Women


HONORING UNIVERSITY OF PORTLAND WOMEN'S SOCCER TEAM -- (Extensions of Remarks - February 15, 2006)
SPEECH OF HON. EARL BLUMENAUER OF OREGON IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2006

* Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, today I am honored to introduce this resolution congratulating the 2005 University of Portland women's soccer team for winning the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I National Championship. The Pilots completed an undefeated season, capturing the National Championship by scoring four goals in their final game against the University of California, Los Angeles.

* Not only is this the University of Portland's second championship in four years, but the 2005 season was the most successful for the team to date. The Pilots set the University's women's soccer record with an undefeated season.

* The story of the 2005 season is illustrated with broken records. The loyal fans of the University of Portland set the NCAA season attendance record for both men's and women's soccer teams and led the Nation in average home attendance.

* There is no way one could speak to the accomplishments of the University of Portland soccer program without heralding the amazing talent of the coaching staff, both past and present. The program was brought to excellence by the late Clive Charles who was respected by soccer enthusiasts worldwide. In 2002, Charles led the Pilots to their first ever championship in any sport. Sadly, Charles died in 2003 from complications of prostate cancer.

* With Head Coach Garrett Smith now at the helm, the Pilots have continued their superiority on the soccer field. Coach Smith has devoted 18 honorable years to the University of Portland soccer program, both as a player and a coach, and his ability to lead his team with creativity and vision has earned him great respect.

* I wish warm congratulations to every player, coach, student, alumnus, faculty member, and supporter of the University of Portland. There is much to celebrate up on the ``Bluff' and the women's soccer team is a great example of the excellence the University produces and I hope you will join me in supporting this resolution.

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