Obama honors MLS champ LA Galaxy

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WASHINGTON, May 15 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama honored the MLS champion Los Angeles Galaxy at the White House Tuesday, calling them the "Miami Heat of soccer."

Galaxy members Robbie Keane of Ireland, Britain's David Beckham and American Landon Donovan, as well as Coach Bruce Arena, were singled out by Obama for their contributions to their 2011 MLS Cup win.

"The truth is, in America, most professional soccer players have the luxury of being able to walk around without being recognized. But not these guys. This is the Miami Heat of soccer," Obama said.

"And together, they represent one of the most talented lineups that MLS has ever seen."

Arena's squad racked up the second-most points total in league history last year en route to their third MLS Cup victory, 1-0 over the Houston Dynamo, in which Donovan scored the game-winner on assists from Beckham and Keane in the 74th minute.

"You lived up to the hype," Obama said. "You combined star power and hard work -- it paid off."

The team was also congratulated by first lady Michelle Obama at White House, who introduced them to children attending a "Let's Move" anti-obesity event.