Way of Champions Podcast #98 MLS All Star and US National Team Forward Brian Ching discusses his Journey from Hawaii to the World Cup
He was not always the best player in the group, he didn't play soccer year-round, and he didn't have access to see the game being played by the best. He did work harder than anyone else and always kept the mindset there was room to be better. Because he chose work ethic as his guide, Brian Ching succeeded in soccer. Hear his story.
Getting in Touch:
Email: bkching@houstondynamo.com
Twitter: @BrianChing
About
You can add Brian Ching to the growing list of players that have risen to USMNT caliber by playing in Major League Soccer. The first Hawaiian to ever play for the USMNT, Ching earned his caps from coach Bruce Arena by rising from relative anonymity to a spot in the San Jose Earthquakes' starting lineup in only two years. It culminated in the spring of 2006 when the Houston Dynamo striker was rewarded for his strong start to the MLS season by being named to Arena's 23-man roster for the 2006 World Cup.
While he did not see action in Germany, Ching's high work-rate and powerful shot continued to impress. He was a member of the US team that beat Mexico 2-1 to win the 2007 Gold Cup.
On the club side, Ching was crucial to the Houston Dynamo the MLS Cup title in 2006 over the New England Revolution. Moments earlier, Ching had scored the game-tying goal late in overtime to force the shootout. The following year he missed the final through a calf injury as Houston repeated its success.
Ching retired as a member of the Dynamo following the 2013 season, spending the season as a player/assistant coach. He is now the managing director of the Houston Dash.
Show Notes
10:15 Brian's start in soccer
18:15 Brian explains how he played a little soccer and a lot of other sports
31:15 Does effort matter more than talent
43:45 When you are young there are no plays off
56:45 The importance of age-appropriate coaching
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Hosted by John O'Sullivan. Produced by Coach Reed Maltbie