Posted at 5:24 p.m., Sunday, March 25, 2007
Ching has assist as U.S. tops Ecuador in soccer, 3-1
Advertiser News Services
TAMPA, Fla. — Newly wed Landon Donovan thinks he finally understands what it takes to be a leader on the U.S. soccer team."I got married this offseason and that's helped me grow up," the 25-year-old forward said yesterday after scoring three goals to lead the Americans over Ecuador 3-1 in an exhibition game yesterday.
Brian Ching, a Kamehameha Schools alum, assisted on Donovan's second goal in the 66th minute.
"I love playing with Chingy," Donovan said. "He sees the game the right way. He does little things that people don't always see."
Ching had a good time setting up Donovan.
"It's always fun to play with Landon," Ching said. "I just think we understand each other on the field. He looks to get the ball out for me and I look for him every time I get it. I'm not going to dribble by anyone so I leave that up to him and just give him the ball and get in the box."
Ching took a blow to the face late in the first half, but returned to the match after receiving medical attention.
"I tried to head the ball and the guy kicked me in the nose, and it kind of started a fountain of blood," Ching said. "It's OK, I'm pretty sure it's not broken. It just bled a lot."
USSoccer.com contributed to this report.
