Houston Dynamo have ensured Brian Ching will be at the point of their attack for the foreseeable future, the Hawaiian having signed a contract extension on Wednesday.
"We are very excited for Brian and his desire to continue his career with our organization," said Dynamo president and general manager Oliver Luck. "We look for continued success with him as the leader of our offense."
Ching had a fantastic season a year ago, scoring 11 goals for Dynamo and making the roster for the U.S. World Cup team. The 28-year-old capped it all off by scoring the game-tying goal in overtime of MLS Cup against the New England Revolution and drilling home his shot in the penalty kick shootout to help Dynamo lift the trophy.
"I love this team and want to continue playing in Houston," said Ching. "What we did last year was just a taste of what the Dynamo can accomplish in the future. I am looking forward to continuing to build on the success we showed in 2006."
With 11 goals, Ching was the co-leader of the Dynamo in goals with Dwayne De Rosario. One of Ching's strikes was a spectacular bicycle kick against D.C. United, which earned him Sierra Mist Goal of the Year honors. He also was a member of the All-Star team that defeated England's Chelsea FC in the 2006 Sierra Mist MLS All-Star Game.
In five seasons in MLS, Ching has found the back of the net a total of 37 times in 85 regular season appearances. He has also scored four goals in the postseason, including three in Dynamo's title run last year.
Jonathan Nierman is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
