Washington, D.C. – The Democrats defeated the Republicans last night at RFK Stadium to win the 5th Congressional Soccer Game. The match is part of the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s Capital Soccer Classic, an annual event that brings together Members of Congress, Congressional staffers, international embassies, current and former players and others in support of the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s life-changing programs.
Led by goals by Congressman Kihuen, Congressman Larsen, Clinton Britt, Ben Olsen and John Harkes, the Democrats won 5 – 3. Congressman Valadao, Cobi Jones and Devon McTavish each scored a goal for the Republicans. Men in Blazers’ Host Roger Bennett attended the event and presented the winning trophy to the Democrats.
“I want to thank Members of Congress, the players and everyone who came out to celebrate the transformative effect that soccer can have in communities across the country,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, President & CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “Through a connection with a trained coach-mentor, children develop healthy habits and gain valuable life skills that help them excel on and off the field. We are committed to leveraging the power of soccer to make a difference in communities throughout the nation.”
The Embassy Tournament kicked off the Capital Soccer Classic, with 15 embassies and U.S. Department of State employees competing in a mini world cup tournament. In the end, Italy and Spain came out on top.
“I know firsthand the power of participation in youth sports like soccer. I became the first member of my family to attend college by earning a Division I soccer scholarship,” said Rep. Eric Swalwell (CA-15). “The programs the Capital Soccer Classic supports have a proven track record of reaching at-risk youth and promoting educational opportunities, physical fitness, and nutrition through mentorship and teamwork.”
“As a father of three boys who are avid soccer players and as co-chair of the U.S. Congressional Soccer Caucus, I couldn’t be more excited to participate in this event which highlights the sport of soccer and supports a great cause,” said Rep. Darin LaHood (IL-18). “Whether I’m watching my sons play at the local level, supporting the success of the many college soccer programs in the 18th District of Illinois, or simply following the men’s and women’s teams in the World Cup qualifying matches, I have an appreciation for how soccer brings about passion, loyalty, and camaraderie from all walks of life. The 18th District has strong ties to the sport and I recognize the importance of promoting youth activities and exercise as well as encouraging more involvement and sportsmanship. This event is a fantastic opportunity to do just that.”
“I enjoyed getting out on the pitch to play a friendly game with many of my House colleagues and helping to promote the game here in the United States. Regardless of who won, it was a good time,” said Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02).
“I greatly enjoy working with the U.S. Soccer Foundation on the annual Capital Classic to raise awareness on the Foundation’s grants for after-school programs that have a profound and positive impact on our children and our communities,” said U.S. Rep. Castor (FL-14), a Co-Chair of the Congressional Soccer Caucus. “Studies show that after-school programs lead to healthier lifestyles, increased knowledge about exercise and nutrition, and positive gains in reading, math and reduced crime in our neighborhoods. U.S. Soccer Foundation’s national model for after-school programs for the ‘Beautiful Game’ is important for setting our children up for success, both in the classroom and on the field. The Capital Soccer Classic is a great opportunity for members across the political spectrum to come together, support a good cause and have a little fun.”
During halftime of the Congressional Soccer Match, Hugh Fike from the Office of Congressman Dave Brat was named King of the Hill after a penalty kick-shoot out.
All proceeds from the event support the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s programs, which are the national model for sports-based youth development. The Foundation’s programs are proven to help children embrace an active and healthy lifestyle while nurturing their personal growth beyond sports.
Congressional Soccer Game Roster
Democrats
- Rep. Kathy Castor
- Rep. Ruben Kihuen
- Rep. Suzanne Bonamici
- Rep. Rick Larsen
- Clinton Britt, Chief of Staff for Rep. Paul Tonko
- Jason Steinbaum, Democratic Staff Director, Committee on Foreign Affairs
- Eric Fins, Senior Legislative Assistant, Rep. Joe Kennedy III
- Ambassador Arturo Sarukhan, Former Ambassador of Mexico
- JT Dorsey, Former defender, Harrisburg City Islanders
- Ben Olsen, Former member of the U.S. Men’s National Team and current head coach of D.C. United
- John Harkes, Former member of the U.S. Men’s National Team
- Janusz Michallik (Yanis), Former member of the U.S. Men’s National Team, Soccer Commentator for ESPN and FOX Sports
- Heather Mitts, Former member of the U.S. Women’s National Team
- Steve Hartell, Director of U.S. Public Policy, Amazon
- Jonathan Williams, Producer, Men in Blazers
- Tyler Newhall, Government Affairs Associate, Quicken Loans
- Frank Journoud, Senior Director, Cybersecurity & Technology, Oracle
- Ali Breland, Tech Reporter, The Hill
- Ian Musselman, Director of Government Affairs, Continental
- Sarah Potter, Government Affairs Coordinator, Anheuser Busch
- Kevin Karpay, Senior Legislative Assistant, Rep. Kathy Castor
Republicans
- Rep. Darin LaHood
- Rep. David Valadao
- Rep. Don Bacon
- Rep. Erik Paulsen
- Rep. Gus Bilirakis
- Rep. Steve Knight
- Cole Rojewski, Chief of Staff, Rep. David Valadao
- John Chapuis, Policy Advisor to the Senate Majority Whip
- Katie Patru, Senior Committee Staff, House Committee on Administration
- Natalie Rogers, Chief of Staff, Rep. Cory Gardner
- Steven Pfrang, Chief of Staff, Rep. Darin LaHood
- Thomas Hester, Legislative Director, Rep. Michael McCaul
- Josh Martin, Chief of Staff, Rep. Mac Thornberry
- Drew Wayne, Legislative Director, Rep. Tom Reed
- Mark Williams, Chief of Staff, Rep. Mike Conaway
- Cobi Jones, Former member of the U.S. Men’s National Team
- Lori Lindsay, Former member of the U.S. Women’s National Team
- Rob Stone, Commentator, FOX Sports
- Devon McTavish, Former D.C. United player
- Zach Thornton, Former member of the U.S. Men’s National Team
- Cully Stimson, Board Chair, U.S. Soccer Foundation
- Diego Ruiz, Vice President, Global Policy and Government Affairs, PEPSICO
About the U.S. Soccer Foundation
The U.S. Soccer Foundation’s programs are the national model for sports-based youth development in underserved communities. Since its founding in 1994, the Foundation has established programs proven to help children embrace an active and healthy lifestyle while nurturing their personal growth beyond sports. Its cost-effective, high-impact initiatives offer safe environments where kids and communities thrive. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Soccer Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) organization. Follow us on Twitter at @ussoccerfndn and Facebook at facebook.com/ussoccerfoundation
