At the post-game press conference following MLS Cup 2006, Brian Ching's joy and relief were written across his face.
Most of that emotion likely stemmed from Ching's MVP performance and Dynamo's win in the title game. But it's possible Ching was just glad for the season to be over.
In fact, after that game, Ching took two months off. With the exception of a couple of camps in Hawaii, he didn't even touch a soccer ball.
"The playoffs last year really exhausted him, in more ways than one," said Dynamo head coach Dominic Kinnear.
This winter, Ching is slowly working his way back into shape. He made his first appearance for the club Thursday in the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions' Cup quarterfinals against Puntarenas FC, playing 20 minutes and contributing to Dynamo's series-winning goal.
Prior to the game, Ching said he hoped to play 30 minutes, and potentially 45, as he shakes off the rust.
"I feel pretty good," he said. "I'm finally getting back into the swing of things and getting my fitness back up to where it should be."
For Ching, 2006 was, at times, a slog.
"There were times in the middle of last year where I thought, 'Wow. This is difficult,'" he said. "I really found myself struggling to find motivation to get excited for games. That's something that I never had to deal with in the past, but it kind of forced me to refocus."
A couple of different things had Ching in the doldrums.
First, there was the crowded fixture schedule and the attendant travel. Though he didn't play a game in Germany, Ching was on the U.S. roster for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, and there was no let-up when he returned to Dynamo, as the Orange relied on him for scoring for much of the season.
Because he posed such an attacking threat, Ching was a target for opposing defenders, and the physical nature of MLS took its toll on the Hawaiian, too. Just after the Sierra Mist MLS All-Star Game, Ching underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee and missed nearly a month of action.
By the time the playoffs came around, Ching had refocused and found a way to play well and to enjoy playing again, but he still had to have his knee drained before games to reduce swelling.
After all of the wear and tear, Ching and Dynamo felt some time off was in order.
"This offseason I really got away from soccer, whereas in the past I felt myself itching to get back after about a month away," he said. "This year I was pretty content with staying away for two months and it really let me kind of recharge my battery."
In the middle of last season and during the offseason, Ching spent some time pondering why he loves the game of soccer. Through that soul searching, Ching rediscovered his energy.
"I think that's the challenge of any player that's been playing soccer for a while," he said. "It's to find ways to motivate yourself."
Unfortunately for Ching, the 2007 season will be no easier than 2006. Dynamo are already involved in four tournaments, and they could end up playing in more, depending on their success.
Fortunately for Ching, he and Kinnear have a strong relationship that spans nearly all of Ching's MLS career.
"(Kinnear) has a good understanding of how I am and how I approach games," Ching said. "We've talked about it. We sat down and he's said, 'If you need a rest, you're going to have to tell me, and I'll understand because I know how committed you are to this team.'"
If Ching remains focused and committed to the team and Kinnear manages his star well, they might well have another MLS Cup press conference in their future.
Jason Halpin is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
