By AVI CREDITOR
WASHINGTON -- The team that finally got over the hump earned their moment with the leader of the free world.
Clad in gray suits, the Colorado Rapids were honored in the East Room of the White House by President Barack Obama Tuesday afternoon for winning the 2010 MLS Cup a little more than seven months ago at BMO Field in Toronto.
"The may not be household names, but the great thing about sports is that in the end, it doesnt really matter," President Obama said. "What matters is how well the team can come together when the chips are down, and that's exactly what the Rapids did."
Accompanied by owner Stan Kroenke, the Rapids presented Obama with his own No. 10 Rapids jersey, to which the president replied, "Me and Messi."
"It was in his best interest not to," joked Mastroeni, who became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2001 and stressed the personal significance of getting the chance to meet the president.
"Ever since becoming naturalized and joining the national team shortly after, the national anthem has meant a lot to me," Mastroeni said. "I'm so grateful to this country to give me the opportunity to play here, and so just coming in here in front of if not the most powerful man, one of the more wonderful people in his position, it all comes full circle."
Obama also singled out Conor Casey, Omar Cummings, Mac Kandji, Kosuke Kimura and Wells Thompson in his address.
"This is special in a different way, not so much soccer-wise, just in terms of a life experience," Casey said. "It's cool to be able to celebrate with my teammates and be in the White House, see all the history inside there. It's definitely cool to have your name dropped from the president."
Obama also pointed out the fact that the Rapids were the second-worst team, record-wise, in the postseason, and he marvelled at the cultural makeup of the team, calling it "a mini United Nations."
Following the address, the Rapids conducted a clinic on the South Lawn with children who have parents in the military. The Rapids were presented with their championship rings prior to the ceremony at the White House.
In the 2010 title game, the Rapids defeated FC Dallas, 2-1, in extra time, with Kandji's cross deflecting off FCD defender George John for a championship-deciding own goal.
David Ferreira opened the scoring by volleying home a cross in the 35th minute, but Casey equalized 12 minutes into the second half, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
"They showed up in close games, they clawed back from behind," Obama said. "When the clock ran out, the Rapids were the best team in American soccer."
