Houston Dynamo forward Brian Ching and midfielder Brian Mullan saw playing time Sunday with the U.S. men's national team in a 3-1 victory against Ecuador at Raymond James Stadium.
Ching was part of the starting 11 and assisted on Donovan's second goal of the game at the 68th minute. Although his contributions were significant, Ching did not manage to play the full 90 minutes, being substituted by New England Revolution forward Taylor Twellman in the 73rd minute.
On Ching's crucial assist to Donovan, Ching told U.S. Soccer after the game: "I knew the last defender was marking me and I saw Landon just take off. He's going to pretty much beat anyone in a foot race, so I just looked to get the ball in and behind the defense. I just think we understand each other on the field. He looks to get the ball out of me and I look for him every time I get it."
For a moment, it appeared like Ching could miss significant playing time, after catching a foot in the face midway in the first half. Ching was treated on the sideline, returned to action and had to play the rest of the match with gause stopping a bloody nose.
"I tried to head the ball and the guy kicked me in the nose," said Ching. "It's OK. I'm pretty sure it's not broken. It just bled a lot."
Mullan came in as a substitute in the 81st minute. He replaced fellow midfielder Clint Dempsey on the field.
Ching, Mullan and fellow Dynamo man Wade Barrett will remain with the U.S. side for its next game, which will be against Guatemala on Wednesday at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas.
