During that span, Ching went through an odd offseason. Having stated he was looking forward to perhaps playing his final season with the Dynamo this year when they open their new stadium in Houston, the club left the former US international unprotected in the expansion draft. The Montreal Impact took a gamble that having Ching in the coffers could entice quality trade offer; and though early indications were that he may just retire instead, Ching actually reported to the Impact preseason camp. Eventually though, he would be sent back to the Dynamo in exchange for a conditional second round selection in next year’s draft.
Though Ching got off to a slow start, Houston was the only club initially winning against Western Conference opposition before falling in Seattle, where Ching played for the USL First Division Sounders. He then tallied an assist in Houston’s 1-1 draw in Chicago.
The club is opening with seven consecutive on the road before BBVA Compass Stadium opens. In Columbus Saturday, Ching created the corner kick put in by Will Bruin when his shot was tipped over the crossbar in the 58th minute.
The Crew tallied the next two via Eddie Gaven in the 63rd and 74th minutes, but with nine minutes left Bruin zipped a fantastic ball by a pair of Crew defenders, allowing Ching to bury it for the draw.
