Player Profile: (11) Brian Ching

Born: 24th May 1978

Hometown: Haleiwa, Hawai

Height: 6′1″

Weight: 195 lbs

Caps: 19 (4 goals)

World Cups: -

Clubs: San Joes Earthquakes/Clash/Houston Dynamo (2003-present), Seattle Sounders (2002), Los Angeles Galaxy (2001)

College: Gonzago

Positions: CF (basically a big target man with an eye for goal, his first touch would let him down in any other position)

Highlights:

• Fought his way back into MLS after dropping into the A-League in 2002
• First native Hawaian to represent the United States.
• Made this World Cup squad on the back of an impressive start to the MLS season, scoring 4 for Houston Dynamo in the season opener.

Lowlights:

Arena says: “Brian has a nose for the goal. He has some physical qualities that could be beneficial in the World Cup — being able to hold the ball and having a hand in things.”

Assessment: Was a surprise inclusion in the World Cup 23 at the expense of Taylor Twellman, who many expected to be involved. Won’t impress anyone with his ball skills but more than capable of finding the net, given a little confidence. His height and strength suits Arena’s game plan and Ching should be an effective replacement for Brian McBride if needed.