Yesterday, the Houston Dynamo reported that Brian Ching was waiting on test results from team doctors that would determine whether or not a knee injury would end the captain's season.
The forward picked up an injury over the weekend during the match against the Philadelphia Union. The report suggested that Ching either suffered a fracture in his kneecap, a meniscus tear (like Anthony Obodai) or both when he collided with a Union player.
In an interview with MLSsoccer.com Ching said, 'It's disappointing, as you never want to be injured. I knew it was sore, but it wasn't like it was holding me back [against the Union]. I was looking forward to finishing out the season, and now we just have to wait to see what the doctor says.'
However, The Houston Chronicle reported this morning that the veteran striker's injury is not as bad as initially feared and that Ching does not have a meniscus tear.
'Right now I'm doubtful for this Sunday, but as long as the swelling goes down I may be able to play again this season,' he said.
With just three games left in Houston's season, there is no reason for an injured (or even sore) Ching to play unless he is 100% confident in his knee's health. However, both Ching and the coaching staff will be relieved to have the forward end the season with just a knock and nothing more serious.
This season marks the first time the franchise has missed out on the postseason and has been a season filled with disappointment and injuries. At some point, it seems, nearly the entire Dynamo roster missed at least a game due to injuries.
The Dynamo's next home game is Sunday, October 10 at 7:30 p.m. when the team hosts the New England Revolution. There is a special package for this game, which is the culmination of Breast Cancer Awareness Day, with funds raising money for the Methodist Cancer Center. The package is only $20 and includes a T-shirt and a chance to meet Bobby Boswell after the game, who is the team spokesman for Breast Cancer Awareness.