Only support of great fans eases the pain of a loss

Excitement. Anger. Frustration. Disappointment. Embarrassment. These are all the emotions I experienced and I am sure that many of you went through the same during the last game. No one felt the results of this tournament more than the 23 of us in the locker room at the end of the game.

I could see it in everyone's eyes. That look that says we should have done better and expected more of ourselves. The guys gave everything, though, and if we were to play those games again we know the results would be different. However, that is the World Cup and what makes it so exciting.

Since this is going to be my last post, there are a few things that I want to say. First, to all of our fans, you were unbelievable. No matter how the team was doing, we could hear you cheering us on. I never felt so proud to represent my country, especially as our national anthem was sung so loud. To read the responses of encouragement to my blog has been uplifting. Thank you for making this one of those lasting memories.

Second, I want to thank my family and support section at the games. To my wife, who always encouraged me and believed in me and kept me focused, I love you. (She was also my first editor for these articles.) To my family who was at every game with the Hawaiian flag and Ching jerseys rooting for the team and for me to get in. I really could feel the love sent our way. To the people from Hawaii who were watching and cheering me on, mahalo. Representing such loving people was an honor and your aloha spirit and desire for me to play could be felt halfway around the world. Well, there is always South Africa.

I also want to thank U.S. soccer for doing a wonderful job of making sure that we, as players, had nothing to worry about but soccer. From taking care of the families to giving us first-class treatment, you were there for us. The entire team really appreciated all the work that went into this World Cup.

Lastly, I want to thank you, the readers, for wishing the team and me well during the tournament. I hope that I gave you a feel for what it was like to be a part of the World Cup as a player. 'Til next time, aloha.

Kamehameha graduate Brian Ching is representing the U.S. in the World Cup