Obama salutes 2013 MLS champs, Sporting KC
By Associated Press
Oct 1, 2014 1:46 PM CDT
President Barack Obama points to a framed team jersey that was given to him by the members of the Sporting Kansas City soccer team during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2014, where he honored the 2013 Major League Soccer champions. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez...   (Associated Press)

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama has saluted the 2013 Major League Soccer champions Sporting Kansas City. He credits the "dedicated fans" of Kansas City for helping the sport grow in the United States.

Obama paid tribute to the team Wednesday for winning the MLS trophy 10 months ago in a freezing penalty kick shootout.

Obama singled out Kansas City defender Matt Besler and midfielder Graham Zusi, who were on the U.S. Men's National Team for this summer's World Cup in Brazil.

The president also noted that Kansas City was enjoying a banner athletic week. The Kansas City Royals won the American League wild card game Tuesday and the NFL Kansas City Chiefs defeated the New England Patriots Monday.

Obama said: "Clearly something is going on in Kansas City."

See 1 more photo