WHEREAS, The inaugural season of the Seattle Sounders FC will be remembered as an historic triumph, not only on the pitch, but for bringing Major League Soccer to the Pacific Northwest and along with it, the loudest and most devoted and loyal fans in the country; and
     WHEREAS, The Sounders FC became the first expansion team since 1998 to qualify for the playoffs, achieving the best record and most goals of any expansion team; and
     WHEREAS, Our Seattle Sounders FC are the U.S. Open Cup champions of 2009; and
     WHEREAS, Sounders FC fans have become a force in the MLS, with 22,000 season ticket holders and an annual game attendance averaging 30,943, setting the MLS record and ranking them amongst the top 50 clubs in the world; and
     WHEREAS, The crowds grew even larger in the 2009 postseason, setting another MLS record for playoff attendance; and
     WHEREAS, The Seattle Sounders FC's success on the pitch is rivaled only by their success in the community, with players, coaches, and staff volunteering nearly 1,000 hours of service and 80 community appearances during the season; and
     WHEREAS, Their efforts set another Major League Soccer record by raising more than 23,000 dollars for the "Nothing But Nets" program, which provides antimosquito, malaria prevention nets to developing countries around the world; and
     WHEREAS, No other professional sports team provides their supporters with a better and more democratic administration, allowing their fans a greater voice in the direction of their team;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives urges all citizens of the State of Washington to join us in congratulating and recognizing the players, the owners, the staff, and the fans of the Seattle Sounders Football Club.