The Rapids have been measured and fitted for matching gray pinstriped suits and custom-made ties in team colors for their visit Monday to the White House, but midfielder Pablo Mastroeni predicts the team will present President Barack Obama with “a cheesy jersey” in the manner of other champions honored there.
The MLS champions play at Columbus, Ohio, on Sunday evening and fly to Washington on Monday morning for the ceremony. They also will host a clinic for children of military families on the South Lawn.
“Having been naturalized in 2001, and being a citizen and participating in the World Cup representing the United States has been the biggest honor for me,” said Mastroeni, who was born in Argentina. “Every time I wear the national team jersey, it probably means more to me than a lot of people, having realized the opportunities this country has given me. Going to see the White House and spending time with the most powerful man on the planet definitely will be something I’ll cherish.”
