Earthquakes give Ching second shot at MLS
By Leila Wai
Special to The Advertiser
Florida today. Spain two weeks ago. Guatemala next week.
Advertiser library photo • Dec. 9, 2002
Hale'iwa native Brian Ching's hectic schedule is the result of being drafted by the San Jose Earthquakes of Major League Soccer.
Brian Ching, who was cut by the Galaxy after the 2001 season, is playing with the San Jose Earthquakes.
On Feb. 28, San Jose picked Ching as its first selection in the 2003 MLS Supplemental Draft, which consists of players signed by MLS teams after January's Super Draft.
"I feel like I'm doing good and getting better each time out on the field," said Ching, a Kamehameha Schools graduate and the Interscholastic League of Honolulu's Player of the Year in 1996.
The 6-1, 195 pound forward joined the team on a tryout basis on Jan. 27 and traveled to Spain with the Earthquakes from Feb. 14-March 1. He is in Florida, where all the MLS teams are for preseason training. The Earthquakes will play in the FC Champions Cup in Guatemala before opening the season April 12 at Colorado.
Ching said he didn't score in Spain, but said several of his shots hit the crossbar or were stopped on great saves by the opposing goalkeeper. He said he "was unlucky but played well; the coach is happy."
Ching originally signed with the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2001's Super Draft as the 16th pick overall following a standout career at Gonzaga University, where he earned all-conference and all-region honors. In eight games with the Galaxy, he had one goal and one assist.
He was released after that season and joined the Seattle Sounders of the United Soccer League's A-League, where he became the second-leading scorer with 16 goals and eight assists. (The A-League is a step below the MLS).
"I definitely think I'm more ready and more mature as a player," Ching, 24, said of being back in the MLS. "I know what to expect. Things seem to be falling into place.
"I'm confident in my abilities and I feel I can make an impact. I feel I'll be around for a while."
Ching, the only player from Hawai'i in the MLS, said he welcomes the challenge of playing at the elite level.
"It is more of a professional atmosphere (than the A-League)," he said. "There are smarter defenders and the players are more fit."
