When Brian Ching went down clutching his hamstring during the Houston Dynamo's match vs. Real Salt Lake last week, it was pretty clear the veteran striker had just suffered a serious injury. Now we know just how serious.
Ching is set to miss four-to-six weeks with a strained left hamstring, Dynamo officials revealed on Tuesday. The timetable would have Ching back in early-to-mid May, which could see him back in time for the U.S. national team's pre-World Cup training camp.
The injury could hurt Ching's chances of making the U.S. World Cup squad if he has any delays in his recovery. That said, U.S. head coach Bob Bradley knows what Ching can bring to the team as arguably the best target forward option in the pool. Ching's latest injury could start to increase concerns about the 31-year-old striker's ability to stay healthy heading into the World Cup.
Ching had been considered a good candidate to make the U.S. World Cup team, but his most recent injury could open the door for Conor Casey to gain ground on him in the race for a roster spot.
Here are some other stories,including stories on Claudio Reyna, Euan Holden, MLS player moves and CONCACAF Champions League, to get your Wednesday going:
REYNA NAMED USSF YOUTH TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
Former U.S. national team captain and World Cup veteran Claudio Reyna enjoyed a stellar career for the United States as well as several European clubs and he will now look to pass on some of the wisdom he acquired as U.S. Soccer's new Youth Technical Director.
Reyna, who recently secured his A coaching license, will be introduced in his new role today.
While details of his new role have yet to be revealed, Reyna is expected to work closely with the U.S. Soccer Development Academy.
HOLDEN HOPES FOR SCOTLAND CALL
While Stuart Holden is expected to play a role on the U.S. World Cup team this summer, his brother is hoping for another national team to come calling.
Euan Holden, younger brother of Stuart, has made public his hopes of earning a call up by the Scottish National team. A left back currently playing for Danish club Vejle, Holden told the Daily Record of Scotland that he's ready for a Scotland call if one comes.
"I've lived in America a long time and I'm probably more American than I realise," Holden said. "But I still regard Scotland as my home. If someone asks me where I'm from I say Scotland."
Holden's comments came after Scotland national team manager Craig Leavin recently stated that he would scour the globe in search of players eligible to play for Scotland.
MLS PLAYER MOVES
Chivas USA announced the acquisition of Costa Rican defender Dario Delgado, who will join the Rojiblancos on loan from Puntarenas.
Toronto FC captain Jim Brennan is set to announce his retirement today, and is reportedly joining TFC's front office as assistant general manager.
CRUZ AZUL CLINCHES CCL FINAL BERTH
Cruz Azul thrashed UNAM Pumas, 5-0, in the second leg of their CONCACAF Champions League semifinal series, on Tuesday night. The win gave Cruz Azul a 5-1 aggregate series victory and berth in the Champions League Final.
Cruz Azul will face the winner of the Pachuca-Toluca semifinal series. Pachuca will host tonight's second leg having tied in the first leg, 1-1. If Pachuca advances, it would set up a Champions League Final against former head coach Enrique Meza, now in charge at Cruz Azul.
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What do you think of these developments? Think Ching can still make the World Cup team? Happy to hear that Reyna will be taking on an important role in youth development? Hoping Euan Holden winds up joining his brother on the U.S. national team?
Share your thoughts below.
Exactly, I would think he likely has a solid 4-5 years before his job security would come into questions (if he even stays that long). It’ll be interesting to see how he does, but I wouldn’t have been pissed if they went with an experienced, outside hire.
I get very sad whenever I read “Conor Casey” and “World Cup roster” in the same paragraph. He is billed as a big hold-up forward, but he lacks McBride’s drive and talent, Ching’s work rate, and any real creativity. With the raft of midfielders in the player pool (pun not intended), why isn’t it obvious that Dempsey and Donovan are both far superior options up top?
I’ve been following the team for as long as I can remember (and that goes wayyy beyond Bradley’s reign of mediocrity).
The system doesn’t work because the players aren’t organized to play that way, which is a fault of Bradley’s. The team has rarely ever played as a collective unit for 90 minutes, hence our inability to bunker down in hard defense when the going gets tough (Brazil, Italy). Instead we rely on, such as in the Dutch case, them to just simply mess up their opportunities.
4-5-1, playing the quick counters and creating a central block, is the only way we’re getting past round 1. Teams like us, who can’t go toe to toe in an open game with an elite team, have no chance without an organized back and middle. We simply can not compete in a goal scoring frenzy – we don’t have the firepower.
We do have the ability to get quick counters with Donovan and Dempsey. We do have Jozy to attract dangerous fouls in great free kick positions. And we do have an aerial presence in our 18 plus a physical side in our game that most teams do not have which is ideal for bunkering down but it comes down to disciple and organization.
Subbing and organization are the two most critical parts of a manager’s job leading up to and during a game. Bradley lacks severely in both. And if we had not messed about with fringe players but played a system that suits the last two years of our national team’s existence, we would be more secure with our striker situation.
Ireland is a prime example of a team that on paper is mediocre but due to disciple, can take the odds of a game to almost 50/50 based on how hard it is to score against them. Greece won Euros that way.
I would take califf over conrad actually. The point is that I’d take any left back playing anywhere else over Bornstein. Same for Ching. We can do better. I don’t care if either are on the squad, just as long as they dont play. Bornstein has given away two penalties in the last 2 games against Europenan teams, along with many other childish mistakes. Ching can’t step up. Please don’t talk about the goal’s he scored for the US either, because he’s scored 2 goals since 09 and his WC qualifying goals came agaist teams we spanked at home, namely, cuba, BARBADOS, and trinidad. Not saying our other forward options are better, but, I’d rather give that spot to someone on form like Gomez.Whenever we have a “big game” away and play Ching (like Mexico for example) as our target forward, he can’t hold onto the ball and can’t pressure anyone.That’s why he got subbed at half . It’s like playing with ten men, and if you hadn’t noticed, the whole World Cup is away from home so i’d look elsewhere. We progressed in the confed cup without them, so I don’t know where this talk of them actually starting is coming from. Rant over
From what I’ve read, AJ, not really.
Nice ” The Office ” reference. Well played, Mike. Well played, indeed…
It all depends what BB is looking for. If it is a target man to come off the bench, Casey will get the call, depending how in form he is come May. That is if Ching is done. If he wants speed to compensate for Davies, Cunningham and Findely better start scoring some goals. EJ is in the mix as well. As far as Gomez goes, he should get a look, but I have the feeling that he is going to have to keep on scoring if he is to make the team. All of these guys, if they get in a game at the WC, will probably be coming off the bench anyway. It will probably be Dempsey up top with Altidore or maybe Donovan depending how in form Beasley is. Friendlies in May will tell us how in form the players are and BB will have to start deciding how to position his players. Davies will need to play in May for his club to be considered for the WC. If he does fairly well for his club team in early May, he will make the team. We really need him even if he just comes off the bench. It is difficult playing 80-90 minutes after not playing for 7 months, though. However, if he can start and be in form that would be great.
so does Conrad.
Buddle? Seriously?
Assistant *to* the general manager
Josh, no offense, but that is a horrible, horrible, horrible idea. I can only assume that you have not been following USMNT for long enough to remember BB’s past 4-5-1 debacles.
Actually, BB has done a great job of collecting mediocre left backs. It would be a shame to let one go, especially if he is as mediocre as he seems. Maybe if Edgar Castillo gave him a call . . . .
I can’t say I’m disappointed in the appointment, although I am curious to hear from you who the other candidates were.
To be honest, though, it’s not like we will be able to judge his performance for some time. I kinda liken this role to those that determine economic policy in this country, they can institute changes immediately, but the effects of those changes, positive or negative, won’t be realized until some time further on down the road.
Well if knowledge of an academy setup is a prerequisite, JOB should be in the running after his time at Ajax.
But in all seriousness I don’t think you’re out of line. I don’t know how long he gets in a position like this to prove he’s the right guy, but hopefully they won’t hesitate to let him go if he’s doing poorly, however you judge that.
Being a naturalized citizen myself, and being grateful for our naturalized and first-generation players- we will continue to lose kids to other countries (Rossi, Subotic, potentially Hoyos) unless we get more 3rd generation+ Americans playing this game. If our talent search and development strategy relies on the hope that foreing-born parents to shepherd their kids to soccer, instead of baseball and football, and they become elite players, we will always stand to lose them to other countries. The same cultural influences that these kids will be under to play soccer in the first place are the same influences that could lead them to choose another country to play for…
Would Altidore, Davies, Clark, Feilhaber, Tim Howard, Torres, Edu, Holden, Onyewu- even be playing soccer if their parents were 3rd or 4th generation Americans, instead of foreign-born?
By no means am I suggesting that we don’t need foreing born players, I’m suggesting that we need to continue to cast a wider net for talent and pull kids in, versus having them pushed to the system by their parents…
Jim Brennan supposely has personality conflict with Preki…..TFC = FAIL this year if they dont bring in some good D
Also he can teach them defense, which means as the play is in full swing, put up your hand and look at the ref, hoping to get an offsides call. Then make a spoiled brat face, because the man you just stopped marking blew by you and scored a goal…
funny how someone points out the only red mark on someones resume when they had a horrible knee injury and he was like 35 years old…..the US’ greatest CM ever made by god and you make a remark like that, wow
The obvious choice is Conor Casey. But don’t be surprised if Herc gets a look as a wild card pick.
Don’t worry; both will still be ineffective on a international level.
F the little prick. I hope he breaks a leg.
He used to play in the same league that Feilhaber plays in now. And at least he is actually playing…Beasley has not seen the field in 2 months.
Plus, JW is a creative and speedy option at forward, which is where our need on the field is greatest. I doubt that we’ll be seeing Beasley or Benny playing up top anytime soon.
I’m not saying that he’s going to be our savior, but given the slim pickings we have at striker at the moment he should not be out of the picture.
BB wont start ching over altidore and altidore is our target forward, so if CD9 is back its altidore and CD…..whats so confusing about that? Lets all act as if CD will be fine for Suda Africa, if he isnt then who knows? Buddle, Ching, Gomez, Findley, Cunningham, Casey, Cooper, Johnson, LD, and Dempsey are all options to partner next to Jozy for BB
Most would call that extreme desperation…but at this point, why not? Seriously, bring them all in and have a look.
I might just do that…..
he should be on excellent form surpassing the likes of Beasley or Feilhaber since he plays in the UAE
Oh, wait….UAE, nope nevermind
im amazed that Stuart hasnt slapped him across the face for wanting to play for Scotland….this kid seems fitting to be the next Johnny O’Brien and would be a safe bet to be our left back in 2014
ill say jokingly that if Euan decides to play for Scotland, im blaming Stuart
Will Bob Bradley please call Jeremiah White?
Come on, whatever he did as a player has nothing to do with being a coach. Well, some but not all. Maybe he will be a good coach, but dont base it on him as a player. Some of the best coaches I know were not the best players.
When do we break away from the Arena Mafia? The Arenas moved us in the right direction, we are drifting. Its time for a shift.
how elitist, why should playing abroad automatically lead one to consider a player superior. plus, he is playing in Denmark big whoop. Under your model i should choose former Danish league player Danny Califf over Jimmy Conrad.
with that said, J.Bornstein does blow
I’m probably going to get slammed for this, but…
Reyna got this job due to his political connections in the US soccer community not to mention his obvious big name .
There were quite a few people on the radar (several foreigners) with much better track records (but demanding higher salaries). In fact, Reyna has basically ZERO experience in the position that he has been hired to fill. It’s an extremely difficult task to establish a true academy system that filters into the USMNT pool. I hope he proves me wrong. I’d be more than happy to eat some crow!
zing!
He also might be doing this as a ploy to have USSF come after him even more.
I have a hard time believing he was flying under the radar since his brother is always in the USMNT camps. Surely, he’d have mentioned his brother at some point.
Any recent news on Davies. I know he is back in training with Sochaux but haven’t heard about his most recent progress. My Davies #9 Away jersey should be arriving today or tomorrow if all goes according to plan. I plan on seeing him next to Jozy in the World Cup.
Ching is a minor setback, enter Herculez Gomez…
If Ching is our best target forward I think we should just stay home. Do we really need a target forward anyway? Altidore + Ching=loss. Starting Ching over Jozy=blasphemy.
he’s a left back playing abroad. He already qualifies more than Bornstein.
I like the Reyna move. He has played in huge European games for big European teams. He was also a decent player 😉
I hope Ching can make the squad but I don’t want to bring him just in case he is healthy. We need 23 of our healthiest players. But when I think about it, bringing Conor Casey off the bench doesn’t fill me with any confidence either. If Davies can make the squad, maybe start him and Dempsey up top with Stu on the right. Then bring Jozy in to bang on the tired defenders for the last 20-30 minutes.
Oh you of short memories.
Reyna was the “Donovan” of US Soccer before there was a Donovan – the first US field player who was good enough to be a contributor in just about any league in the world.
He gave so much to the USNT that he deserves a little more, strike that, a LOT more respect.
…and be voted best XI in a world cup. Get over yourself.
Fantastic news! Now Claudio Reyna can teach the kids how to do the little things like be a completely ineffective DP player and how to sub yourself out and pout in a playoff game!
he might also want to get away from big brothers shadow.
I think the Scotland boss is looking at little Holden based on Stuart’s recent success in the EPL. This kid still isn’t near his older brother’s ability imho, otherwise we would have heard his name thrown in the NATS mix a dozen times by now. 22 is still young, but he would have already had a leg in with BB. Plus, there’s something to say about a kid who has strong ties to USA (ages 7-22) yet jumps so quickly when Scotland comes calling. Maybe he knew beforehand that cracking into the USA roster wasn’t ever going to work for him.
Casey just being suggested for the world cup… Jesus. Ching get better!
i think Kasey Keller is more destined to be a national team coach some day even more than reyna. I dont remember Reyna being as big a presense as keller when they played for the Nats.
Claudio Reyna will be a USMNT head coach someday. I think sooner would be better than later.
22
Euan isn’t much of a loss at the moment though I generally live to bite my tongue at such remarks…
Ching out is my bigger concern. I think this doesn’t help Casey more so than our Mexican-sensation is now a lock-in for the camp. We know what Casey offers and I’d rather see Donovan or Dempsey up top.
Bob really needed to recognize the striker situation back in the Fall and change the tactics to a 4-5-1 with Dempsey and Donovan playing as attacking wingers. Now I’d have Edu, Bradley, and Torres in the middle. Jozy up top.
I hope Reyna can be as good a technical director as he was a player (when healthy). It’s a shame he was so brittle, but on his day, he could be a masterful player.
Hopefully Reyna can teach our youth how to hold the ball and distribute like he did as a player. Great appointment.
Euan Holden: in other words, he’s not on Bradley’s radar, and would still like to play internationally. How old is this kid?
I have no idea how good Euan is, but it sounds fitting that we should deprived of left back options, historically speaking.
Is Euan much of a loss? All I remember reading about him was that it was a charity pick when Houston took him as they were still clinging to hopes that they could keep Stuart around.