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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 8:46 a.m., Friday, October 3, 2008

Brian Ching selected for U.S. soccer team's match against Cuba

Associated Press

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

U.S. Brian Ching, right, battles for the ball with Cuba's Jeniel Marquez during a World Cup 2010 qualifying soccer game in Havana, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008.

AP Photo/Javier Galeano

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WASHINGTON — All 11 starters from the United States' previous two World Cup qualifying victories, including Hawai'i's Brian Ching, were selected to the roster for the Americans' match on Oct. 11 against Cuba.

A victory will send the United States into the final round of CONCACAF qualifying for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Coach Bob Bradley, obviously satisfied with the players' performances in three wins, chose goalkeeper Tim Howard and leading scorers Clint Dempsey and Ching, a Kamehameha Schools alum from Hale'iwa.

Dempsey has four goals in this year's qualifiers, including the only score in a 1-0 win in Havana on Sept. 6. Ching has three goals.

Team captain Carlos Bocanegra leads the defense that has not allowed a goal in a U.S.-record six straight matches.

Nine players who appeared for the United States in the 2008 Olympics were selected to the roster, including goalkeeper Brad Guzan.

After the Cuba match, the Americans will play at Trinidad and Tobago on Oct. 15 .

The roster for the Cuba match:

Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton FC, Troy Perkins (Valerenga IF);

Defenders: Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes), Danny Califf (FC Midtjylland), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Jay DeMerit (Watford FC), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard de Liege), Michael Orozco (San Luis), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock);

Midfielders: Freddy Adu (AS Monaco), DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers), Michael Bradley (Borussia Moenchengladbach), Maurice Edu (Glasgow Rangers), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Danny Szetela (Brescia Calcio), Jose Francisco Torres (Pachuca);

Forwards: Jozy Altidore (Villarreal C.F.), Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Charlie Davies (Hammarby IF), Clint Dempsey (Fulham FC), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy).