Friday, April 6, 2001
[ SOCCER ]
Two months of hard work at a higher level paid off for Brian Ching recently when Los Angeles Galaxy head coach Sigi Schmid made his final cuts. Ching makes MLS roster
By Al Chase
Star-BulletinChing has made the Galaxy's 18-man roster, and is scheduled to start tomorrow night when Los Angeles opens the Major League Soccer season against the San Jose Earthquakes in the Rose Bowl.
Schmid announced his roster March 26 at the conclusion of a three-game training trip to Florida.
Ching's reaction was one of relief, excitement and nervousness.
"I was just really happy that I had made it," he said. "I'm kind of excited to get things going, to get my career going."
Ching, a striker, will be paired with Sasha Victorine up front.
"Overall, I think I've played well," Ching said. "I played in all three games in Florida, had an assist and got fouled for a (penalty kick) in another game."
A graduate of Kamehameha Schools and Gonzaga University, Ching found the move to pro ball frustrating at times, but feels he has adjusted.
"There is a lot of new information to take in and incorporate into my game," he said. "It's also exciting because I can see the improvement in my game. Now that I'm able to start on opening day, it's just amazing."
His mother, Stephanie Whalen, will be in the stands for her son's regular-season debut.
"It's her birthday and all she asked for was a goal," Ching said.
Wahine lose another:
Kalena Eaton became the second University of Hawaii Wahine player sidelined with a serious injury during spring practice when she suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage to her right knee during a six-a-side tournament in March.Eaton has undergone surgery and she and Liz Lusk, who had ACL surgery in February, are expected to be ready for fall practice.