MLS San Jose Earthquakes

Sounders Brian Ching Signs with San Jose Earthquakes of MLS

Published on February 28, 2003 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
San Jose Earthquakes News Release


(Seattle, WA) – The Seattle Sounders today announced that forward Brian Ching was drafted by the San Jose Earthquakes as the first overall pick in the Major League Soccer Supplemental Draft.

"I watched Brian several times last year and I was always impressed," Earthquakes head coach Frank Yallop said. "He is one of the top scorers from the A-League and he always gives 100 percent. He is a good target man and he should add some power to our attack."

Ching, 25, the second leading scorer in the A-League in 2002 with 16 goals and eight assists for the Sounders, has been training with the Earthquakes since January. The Hawaii native was selected to the 2002 All A-League First Team and was a four-time member of the A-League Team of the Week.

"We're sad to lose to Brian but happy he gets to move on to MLS," said a rather ambiguous Brian Schmetzer. The Sounder head coach continued, "He's a great kid and great player, we'll miss him around here.

The Los Angeles Galaxy originally drafted Ching with the 16th pick in the 2001 MLS SuperDraft. Ching scored a goal and had an assist in eight games with Los Angeles in 2001. Ching finished his career at Gonzaga University with 34 goals, third most in school history.

As compensation for the loss of Ching, the Sounders will receive a combination of cash and a re-match of their 2002 US Open Cup match. The Earthquakes defeated the Sounders 4-3 in an overtime thriller. Ching, starting at forward for the Sounders, scored a goal and added an assist in the July 17th loss.

The re-match will take place sometime during the Sounders 2003 season.

"We look forward to an opportunity for a bit of revenge", said Sounder general manager Adrian Hanauer.

Sounder season tickets are on sale for the 2003 season inside Seahawks Stadium. The Sounders also have Manchester United vs. Celtic FC tickets on sale now. Those tickets are not available to the public until March 15.

For more information on Sounder/Manchester United tickets phone 206 622.3415 or visit www.seattlesounders.net.

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Major League Soccer Stories from February 28, 2003


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