Obama joined the team in the Rose Garden to honor a turnaround from a losing season in 2007 to the best record in the league for 2008.

The team gave Obama a soccer ball and a numbered Crew jersey with "Obama" on the back.  The jersey was No. 44 because Obama is the 44th president.

SLIDESHOW:  Images From Meeting

The president joked that he has been watching plenty of soccer these days, for his daughters' games. He said he has learned two main rules for youth soccer: no matter the position, players should run toward the ball all at once; and snacks at halftime must never be forgotten.

Obama said that soccer's popularity is on the rise in the U.S. and that the national team has been playing with distinction.

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