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MLS Ticker: Ching scores five in testimonial; Findley, Schuler undergo surgery; and more

BrianChingTestimonial (HoustonDynamo)

By DAN KARELL

Brian Ching put the finishing touches on his memorable career with a man-of-the-match performance in his testimonial match, put on by the Houston Dynamo.

Playing with and against teammates and friends of past and present, Ching and his Orange Team defeated the White Team, 6-4 with the former U.S. Men’s National Team forward scoring five goals. Ching came off in the 70th minute to a standing ovation from the fans in attendance at BBVA Compass Stadium.

With the first ever testimonial match in MLS history in the books, Ching closes out his 12-year MLS career with 82 regular season goals and 34 assists, with three MLS Cup titles, one U.S. Open Cup, a six-time MLS All-Star, and a Gold Cup winner. Ching made 45 appearances as well for the U.S. Men’s National Team.

Here are some more stories from around MLS:

FINDLEY, SCHULER OUT FOR NEAR FUTURE AFTER HAVING SURGERY

Two of Real Salt Lake’s stars on their playoffs run to the MLS Cup final will be out of action for an undisclosed amount of time.

Both forward Robbie Findley and defender Chris Schuler underwent successful surgery on Thursday, according to a release from RSL on Friday. Findley had an operation that helped to repair “a torn right patella tendon” that had built up over the last few years, while Schuler had surgery to removed bone spurs from his left ankle.

Though there was some thought that the duo’s playoff performances could have earned them a call-up to the U.S. Men’s National Team for their January camp, this news likely ends any chance of a possible call-up.

D.C. UNITED MAKE DOYLE SIGNING PERMANENT

D.C. United general manager Dave Kasper clearly liked what he saw in Conor Doyle’s three and a half month loan at the club.

Kasper and D.C. United announced on Friday that they’ve finalized a permanent transfer for Doyle from English side Derby County, after the young American scored two goals and assisted on one goal in 14 games, eight of them starts.

“Conor is a very talented, young forward who will continue to improve,” said D.C. United scouting coordinator Kurt Morsink said in a statement. “His ability to get into good spots and anticipate service is very rare for his age, and makes him a unique forward.”

After one season at Creighton, Doyle, who holds an Irish passport, signed with Derby in 2010 and went on to make 22 appearances through July 2013, mostly missing time due to ankle and hamstring injuries. Doyle failed to score a goal while at Derby.

PALMER TRADED TO FIRE 

For the second year in a row, Lovel Palmer will be playing on a new team in the next MLS season.

The Chicago Fire announced that they have acquired the versatile defender from Real Salt Lake in exchange for allocation money. Palmer made 17 appearances for RSL in 2013 after joining the club from the Portland Timbers in the last offseason.

“We’re pleased to welcome Lovel to the Fire,” said Fire head coach Frank Yallop in a statement. “He is a versatile, experienced player who will be instrumental in building a deep squad to compete in 2014.”

The Jamaican international reunites with former RSL assistant coach C.J. Brown, who announced earlier this week that he was joining Klopas’ staff with the Fire.

IMPACT CONTINUING NEGOTIATIONS FOR VALENTIN, BERNIER UNDERGOES SURGERY

Montreal Impact defender Zarek Valentin helped Bodø/Glimt return to the Norwegian first division, and the club are hoping to keep him in the squad for next season.

Valentin spent a majority of the season on loan with Bodø from the Impact, but hs is still under contract with the MLS club. However, sporting director Nick De Santis said that negotiations are continuing for the American defender to potentially remain abroad.

“With Zarek, negotiations are ongoing with Bodø/Glimt and the league as well,” De Santis told MLSSoccer.com. “We’ll see what his future holds.”

Meanwhile, one of Velrntin’s Impact teammates, Patrice Bernier, underwent surgery on his right knee to “remove debris” in the area. Bernier will be out for the next four to six weeks.

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What do you think of these reports? Enjoy Ching’s testimonial? Do you expect Schuler and Findley to be fit by the start of next season? Do you believe Doyle can improve his goal numbers next season?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. It was a truly awesome night. Lots of talent and the players seemed to have fun. Even Donovan who was harassed by the Houston supporters group in a fun, but heartfelt way.

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  2. “there was some thought that the duo’s playoff performances could have earned them a call-up to the U.S. Men’s National Team for their January camp” – nope that was just you Ives.

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  3. Instead of a testimonial match for one player, they should have a match for all retiring players. That would be a lot more exciting to watch

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    • This is MLS. How many scholes type players play full careers here? I’ll give you a hint(none). Ching was a huge player for the dynamo. Troll elsewhere you doosh

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    • Come on, with everything that Ching has done in his career he deserved to have a little fun at the end.

      So, does Timmy have anything to worry about with Donovan moving to keeper now? Speed translates well to the net-minder’s position, right?

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    • That was uncalled for……

      Ching has done too much for the Houston community and MLS to deserve that. The man is a class act and role model.

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    • That has never been true.

      Going back to Europe, testimonials were for players who proved themselves to be good servants to the club and a class individual.

      Ching has been that kind of kind guy unlike you.

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    • “Ching closes out his 12-year MLS career with 82 regular season goals and 34 assists, with three MLS Cup titles, one U.S. Open Cup, a six-time MLS All-Star, and a Gold Cup winner. Ching made 45 appearances as well for the U.S. Men’s National Team.”

      It helps to read the article before you write a response.

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    • Weak sauce Mike R. Clubs can choose as they wish – no reason to get judgmental.

      Portland did one for Jimmy Conway a few years back (I think maybe the year before MLS or maybe that first MLS summer). Conway is a former NASL Timber who, like many from that team, stayed in Portland and helped develop the soccer community. Unfortunately he also has early Alzheimers so the whole thing was to benefit his charity.

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  4. That was not the “first testimonial match in MLS history.” DC United held a testimonial for Marco Etcheverry years ago. THAT was the first testimonial match in MLS history.

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      • Yes the B.S. (before Sounders) history is not relevant in the new MLS calendar. It was a great 4th ASS year (after Seattle Sounders) for all of MLS and be safe out there on New Year’s March 19th.

    • Etcheverry’s was cool, but not truly a testimonial, match more a tribute match before another game. Plus similar to the old school testimonials, the proceeds went to Ching (in his case his charity).

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    • If we ever put together some sort of team circle of honor, the initial class should be DeRo, Onstad, and Ching. What he did in the team’s first two seasons (including the first game in its history) helped the team be successful and cemented the franchise here.

      Reply

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