Houston Dynamo to host a Brian Ching Testimonial Match as Ching retires from Major League Soccer

Earlier today, legendary Dynamo forward Brian Ching formally announced that 2013 will be his final year playing soccer. At the conclusion of the season, he'll turn in his cleats for suits and a front office position with the Dynamo.

The Houston Dynamo organization will honor the face of the franchise with a testimonial match with a number of high profile soccer players in December.

On Friday, December 13, BBVA Compass Stadium will welcome a host of former and current Dynamo and Major League Soccer players to send Brian Ching into retirement in style.

A testimonial match - a first in MLS history - will be the perfect way for the Dynamo to honor a player that has contributed so much to the team and the community.

100% of the proceeds will benefit Habitat for Humanity and the House that Ching Built and will go towards building a third home in the City of Houston.

Excerpt from the Houston Dynamo Press Release:

HOUSTON (Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2013) - The Houston Dynamo and Dynamo Charities announced today that the club will host a Brian Ching Testimonial Match, presented by BBVA Compass, to celebrate the career of the retiring forward.

The match will be held Friday, Dec.13 at BBVA Compass Stadium. Proceeds from the match will benefit Ching's charitable initiative, The House That Ching Built, which benefits Habitat for Humanity and aims to construct a new home for a family in the Houston community.  

"I've been blessed to be able to partner with Houston Habitat," said Ching. "It's been fantastic to see how much this project has changed the lives of the first two families that benefitted from The House That Ching Built. As I celebrate the end of my playing career, I once again have an opportunity to make a positive impact on a third family."

The match brings the global tradition of celebrating retiring players to Houston and marks the first testimonial match in Major League Soccer history. The match will honor Ching's career as he retires from professional soccer at the end of the 2013 season and will feature some of the biggest stars from the Dynamo, MLS and the U.S. Men's National Team (SEE FULL LIST OF PARTICIPANTS BELOW). As an original member of the 2006 Houston Dynamo, and an active member of the Houston community, Ching's testimonial match will serve as a fitting tribute to his achievements.

"I've gotten positive feedback from everyone I've asked to participate," continued Ching.  "It's wonderful to have fellow players who are willing to support and be there for me during my last game on the field."

The list of players that are confirmed to be participating are as follows:

-         Brian Ching

-         Landon Donovan

-         Chris Wondolowski

-         Brad Davis

-         Dwayne de Rosario

-         Pat Onstad

-         Steve Ralston

-         Davy Arnaud

-         Carlos Bocanegra

-         Bobby Boswell

-         Corey Ashe

-         Mike Chabala

-         Danny O'Rourke

-         Eddie Robinson

-         Wade Barrett

-         Brian Mullan

-         Frankie Hejduk

-         Matt Reis

-         Craig Waibel

-         Jimmy Conrad

-         Paul Dalglish

-         John Spencer

Tickets for the match will go on sale Friday, September 27 to the general public, while season ticket holders will be able to begin purchasing tickets on Tuesday.

What are your thoughts about the match? Got your tickets already? Give us your thoughts in the comment section!