Feb. 5, 2001

Ft Lauderdale, Fla. - Gonzaga University forward Brian Ching was the fourth pick of the second round and the 16th pick overall Monday morning by the Los Angeles Galaxy in the 2001 Major League Soccer Super Draft.

Ching becomes the first Gonzaga player and the first player from his native Hawai'i selected in the MLS draft. He is a native of Haleiwa, Hawai'i.

Ching had eight goals and six assists this past season for the Bulldogs, missing three matches with a leg injury. He finished his Gonzaga career with 34 goals to rank third all-time, 23 assists for first on the GU charts and 91 points to rank tied for second in career points. He was a first-team All-West Coast Conference selection and an All-Far West Region pick last fall for the Bulldogs, 11-6-1 overall, 5-1-0 and second place in the WCC.

The Galaxy are the defending 2000 Football Confederation Champions Cup winners. They open the 2001 season April 7 at home against the San Jose Earthquakes. The Galaxy play their homes games in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif.

The Earthquakes made the first pick of the Super Draft, selecting North Carolina striker Chris Carrieri. The 5-8 striker led the nation with 25 goals in 24 games this past season.