Americans hamstrung at forward without Ching

I don’t know why I have never been a fan of Brian Ching, but there has just been something about the first Hawaiian to suit up for the U.S. National team that never endeared him to me.

But watching the forward play for the Houston Dynamo Thursday night, Ching showed the skills that will make him a very vital piece to the U.S. National team as they prepare for the World Cup.

Houston may have lost 3-1 to Real Salt Lake, but Ching showed me more than fellow U.S. roster invitee Robbie Findley, who scored for Salt Lake.

Ching may not score as much as people would like against elite international competition, but he does hold the ball up well allowing the United States to get options forward. It’s an attribute that will serve the Americans well in their first game against England that will probably feature a pair of world-class central defenders.

Ching, who has been injured with a hamstring issue, entered the last 28 minutes of the contest and voila the Dynamo looked more fluid in attack. Granted, by that time the Dynamo were down three goals and had very little to lose.

Meanwhile, Findley, who started the match, scored in the third minute but also had an unconscionable miss in the 65th. It’s misses like this (fast forward to the 4:01 mark) that may mean the difference in a group where the Americans, Algeria and Slovenia will likely battle for second spot in Group C.

Also, notice how Salt Lake’s squandered opportunities were primarily from their No. 10. Then again, one may not have to take note as only 23 of the 30 men invited to the training camp, and likely one or more of the inexperienced forwards, will make the final U.S. team.

The more soccer I watch, the more I have come to appreciate players like Ching. He may not be the flashiest forward, but he can score, and his teams have a penchant for winning games, as evidenced by the Americans 32-4-8 record in matches he has earned caps and the two MLS Cups he has won with the Dynamo.

With the dearth of proven forwards invited to the U.S. camp a player like Ching may become more comforting to see in the starting lineup in South Africa.