Posted on: Friday, July 30, 2004

San Jose's Ching will savor first MLS all-star appearance

By Leila Wai
Advertiser Staff Writer

San Jose Earthquakes forward Brian Ching will be busy today with practice and media requests for tomorrow's Sierra Mist Major League Soccer All-Star game in Washington, D.C.

But he's viewing it as a time to rest.

"I guess I just look forward to getting away from the seriousness of practices," Ching said. "I'm taking it as my opportunity to rest, but at the same time, it's an opportunity to have fun."

Ching's all-star debut will be televised Saturday on KITV at 8 a.m.

Ching, a graduate of Kamehameha Schools, was voted as a starter for the Western Conference, by fans, media, players, coaches and general managers. He is tied for the MLS lead in scoring with 10 goals.

"It is cool, in one sense you get to see a lot of the stars you play against," Ching said. "You get to meet them and see what they are like in a social situation.

"You get to know them on a personal level."

U.S. women win sixth straight Nordic Cup

The U.S. Under-21 Women's National team won an unprecedented sixth straight Nordic Cup with a 3-0 victory over Sweden in Akureyri, Iceland, yesterday.

University of Hawai'i junior forward Natasha Kai started all four games for the United States, and tied for the team lead with three goals.

Reach Leila Wai at lwai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2457.