Houston Dynamo forward Brian Ching won the Sierra Mist Goal of the Year with a perfectly executed bicycle kick in the Dynamo's Sept. 30 game versus D.C. United.
With time winding down in a scoreless game, Ching struck the game winner on a breathtaking overhead kick. The 85th minute strike began as Dynamo midfielder Brad Davis drove in a hard cross from the left wing. Forward Paul Dalglish flicked the ball with his head toward the middle of the penalty area. With his back to goal, Ching delivered a bicycle kick from 15 yards out that beat United goalkeeper Troy Perkins and sent the Houston crowd into a frenzy.
Dwayne De Rosario (Houston Dynamo), Facundo Erpen (D.C. United), Carlos Ruiz (FC Dallas) and Carey Talley (Real Salt Lake) were the four other finalists for the Sierra Mist Goal of the Year award. Ching takes the award from De Rosario, his teammate, who won the past two Sierra Mist Goals of the Year.
Ching will help lead the Houston Dynamo this Sunday, Nov. 12 as they take on the New England Revolution in MLS Cup 2006 on at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas. The game will be broadcast live on ABC Sports at 3:30 p.m. ET.
Sierra Mist Goal of the Year Winners
2006: Brian Ching - Houston Dynamo
2005: Dwayne De Rosario - San Jose Earthquakes
2004: Dwayne De Rosario - San Jose Earthquakes
2003: Damani Ralph - Chicago Fire
2002: Carlos Ruiz - Los Angeles Galaxy
2001: Clint Mathis - MetroStars
2000: Marcelo Balboa - Colorado Rapids
1999: Marco Etcheverry - D.C. United
1998: Brian McBride - Columbus Crew
1997: Marco Etcheverry - D.C. United
1996: Eric Wynalda - San Jose Clash
