HOUSTON (Aug. 25, 2026) – Houston Dynamo FC have named Club legend and three-time MLS Cup champion Brian Ching as the inaugural inductee to the Houston Dynamo Ring of Honor, which will recognize former Dynamo players, staff and executives that have made a significant impact on the Club and the city of Houston.
The first MLS player to be honored with a testimonial match in 2013, Ching now receives this honor following a stellar career in Houston that embodied what the city is all about – grit, hustle and resiliency – and will be presented with the honor on Ring of Honor Night, presented by Heriberto Ramos & Associates, on Oct. 17, when the Dynamo host in-state rivals FC Dallas in a Texas Rivalry. Tickets are available via Tixr HERE.
“Brian embodies the spirit of the Houston Dynamo and the championship standard upon which this Club was built,” said HDFC majority owner Ted Segal “He played an instrumental role in bringing back-to-back MLS Cup titles to Houston in 2006 and 2007, delivering some of the most memorable moments in our history and helping establish the Dynamo as one of Major League Soccer’s premier clubs. Through his contributions as a player, leader and ambassador for the game, Brian has left an enduring mark on our organization and the city of Houston. We are honored to recognize his extraordinary legacy by making him the first inductee into the Houston Dynamo Ring of Honor.”
The former U.S. Men’s National Team attacker spent eight seasons with the Dynamo before retiring after the 2013 season, helping lead the Club win the 2006 and 2007 MLS Cup championship titles and earn MLS Cup final appearances in 2011 and 2012. Ching is the all-time leading scorer in Dynamo history, with 56 goals in regular season action and 69 in all competitions for Houston. Notably, the Haleiwa, Hawaii native is a former MLS Golden Boot (2004) winner, MLS Comeback Player of the Year (2004) winner, 2004 MLS Best XI honoree and a six-time MLS All-Star.
“To become the first player inducted into the Houston Dynamo Ring of Honor is incredibly meaningful to me,” said Ching. “Houston became home for my family, and I will always be proud of what this Club accomplished together, from winning back-to-back MLS Cup championships in our first two seasons to creating so many unforgettable memories with our supporters. I was fortunate to play alongside tremendous teammates and work with outstanding coaches and staff, and none of those achievements would have been possible without them. This recognition means so much to me and my family, and I am deeply grateful to the Club, our supporters and the city of Houston for embracing us and continuing to make us feel like part of the Dynamo family.”
After relocating from San Jose to Houston with the Dynamo ahead of the 2006 season, Ching became the cornerstone of La Naraja's attack, leading them to capture their first MLS Cup Championship in their inaugural season. In that first year, the forward put on a stunning campaign and made history in Houston's very first MLS match by scoring four goals in the season opener versus the Colorado Rapids at Robertson Stadium on April 2. The performance made him the seventh player in league history to score four goals in a single game.
Another highlight of the inaugural season saw Ching net an impressive bicycle kick against D.C. United on September 30 to clinch the Club's first playoff appearance, a play that was named the 2006 MLS Goal of the Year. He finished the season with 14 goals and two assists in 25 MLS appearances. Ching appeared in every match of the playoffs and was named Man of the Match in the 2006 MLS Cup final after scoring the equalizer in overtime and converting the winning penalty kick in the ensuing penalty shootout to win the Club's first MLS Cup Championship.
Ching again played a key role during the 2007 season, helping lead the Dynamo to their second consecutive MLS Cup title. He finished the season with 23 appearances, nine goals and three assists. The attacker also helped the Club reach consecutive MLS Cup Finals in 2011 and 2012. Ching started all four matches and recorded a goal and assist in the 2011 playoffs, while also appearing in all four matches in the 2012 playoffs. Notably, Ching finished the 2012 regular season with 30 appearances, five goals and a career-high five assists.
Additionally, Ching represented Houston on the international stage, earning 45 caps and scoring 11 goals for the U.S. Men’s National Team during an international career that spanned from 2003 to 2010. The forward represented the United States at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany and helped the team capture the 2007 Concacaf Gold Cup, playing a key role in the championship victory over Mexico. Known for his strength, aerial ability and unselfish play, Ching also contributed during the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign and became one of the most accomplished Hawaiian-born players in U.S. Soccer history.
Now engrained in the city of Houston, Ching is known for his meaningful efforts to give back to the local community both during his playing days and afterwards. Notably, from 2010-11 through “The House the Ching Built”, he partnered with Houston Habitat for Humanity and Dynamo Charities to raise $75,000 for an energy-efficient home for a local family, while participating personally in the construction of the home. During his final season in 2013, Ching revived the initiative and directed proceeds from fundraising events, including his testimonial match, toward additional Habitat homes. The campaign raised $125,000, leading to the completion of a second home and providing funding toward a third. Now the owner of soccer-themed EaDo bar Pitch 25, Ching continues to participate in neighborhood service projects.
Alongside Ching earlier this month, the inaugural Dynamo squad recently reunited in Houston during the Club’s **2006 Championship Celebration Night**, presented by Ford, at Shell Energy Stadium. At halftime of Houston’s 1-0 victory over the LA Galaxy, the Club commemorated the 20th anniversary of the Club's inaugural MLS Cup championship as members of the 2006 title-winning team return to Houston for a special halftime ceremony to recognize the players, coaches and staff who helped establish the Dynamo as a championship club. Fans in attendance relived unforgettable moments from the 2006 season through exclusive video features, in-stadium tributes and championship highlights.
Earlier this month, the Dynamo also launched the highly anticipated **Adidas Archive Kit**, inspired by Houston’s kits during the inaugural 2006 and 2007 MLS Cup championship seasons. The jersey reflects the journey that has shaped the team, its fans and the city of Houston, providing opportunities to honor the moments, memories and unwavering pride that have defined their shared story. It serves as a tribute to the legacy built together and the enduring connection between the team and the community that has stood behind it every step of the way and into the future.
