Posted on: Thursday, July 1, 2004

Hale'iwa's Ching gets call from U.S. Team

Advertiser Staff and News Services

Hale'iwa's Brian Ching, who leads Major League Soccer in scoring, was one of three San Jose Earthquakes players called up to the United States National Team yesterday for an exhibition match against Poland on July 11 at Chicago's Soldier Field.

Forwards Ching and Landon Donovan and midfielder Brian Mullan were among 18 chosen for the U.S. team. The match will be televised live at 1 p.m., Hawai'i time, on ESPN2.

"I just want to go out there and do well," Ching told The Advertiser by phone yesterday. "Hopefully, I'll get the opportunity to get on the field."

Donovan, Ching and Mullan will join the national team after the Quakes' July 7 game against Dallas. The trio will miss the July 10 game against the MetroStars.

Ching, a 26-year-old Kamehameha and Gonzaga alum, will make his second appearance with the national team. He was first player of Hawaiian ancestry to earn a cap — an international appearance in a soccer game.

"I think I'm going to be less nervous," said Ching, who earned his first cap when he came on as a sub on May 26 last year against Wales at San Jose's Spartan Stadium. "I'm just going to look to concentrate and play my game and play well."

Before he could get another opportunity with the national team last year, Ching ruptured his Achilles' tendon on Aug. 16 and was lost for the season. He has scored seven goals and notched one assist this season to lead MLS in scoring through June.