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.