MLS' United, Galaxy
set up Hawaii match

A professional soccer match will be played in Hawaii next year for the first time in nearly three decades.

Major League Soccer's D.C. United will face the Los Angeles Galaxy in the Aloha Soccer Cup preseason match at Aloha Stadium on Feb. 25, organizers said.

The event, hosted by the Hawaii High School Athletic Association, the L.A. Galaxy and the Hawaii Soccer Federation, is the first pro competition since 1977 when Team Hawaii played.

"The event will only increase the already high interest in soccer in Hawaii because it will expose our younger players to the highest level of talent," HHSAA executive director Keith Amemiya said.

About 30,000 Hawaii youth are currently playing in soccer leagues around the islands.

"It's inspiring and you get to see the level of play and compare yourself to them," said Katrina Chong, a junior on Hilo High's soccer team.

Brian Ching of the San Jose Earthquakes, a former Kamehameha standout, said he wishes he had the opportunity to see pro soccer growing up in Hawaii.

"The game allows them to see how fast it really is and how physical it really is," Ching said. "You don't get the true reality of the game when you're watching TV."