HOUSTON (Oct. 14, 2026) – Mayor John Whitmire officially proclaimed Wednesday, Oct. 14, "Brian Ching Day" in the city of Houston during a ceremony at Shell Energy Stadium this morning, recognizing Ching's stellar career with Houston Dynamo FC that embodied what the city is all about – grit, hustle and resiliency.
Ching, Houston’s all-time leading goal scorer and a three-time MLS Cup champion, was inducted into the Houston Sports Hall of Fame on Tuesday and will become the inaugural inductee to the Houston Dynamo Ring of Honor on Saturday, Oct. 17, during a special ceremony at halftime of the Texas Derby match versus FC Dallas.
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.
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.
The Dynamo return home to host the in-state rivals FC Dallas for Ring of Honor Night, presented by Heriberto Ramos & Associates, on Saturday, Oct. 17, with the Texas Derby set to kick off at 7:30 p.m. CT. Fans can secure tickets to the match and festivities via Tixr HERE.
