Houston Dynamo striker Brian Ching is probably the best (only) pro soccer player ever produced by the state of Hawaii. He is the club’s career-leading scorer and helped the Dynamo to back-to-back Major League Soccer titles in 2006 and 2007. He has surprising skill for a big guy (6 feet 1) and remains in the mix as the United States national team sets its sights on the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Perhaps it’s no surprise that Ching has selected an Ultimate XI that hues to dangerous offensive players.

Goalkeeper — Peter Schmeichel
He was the first goalie who caught my attention. He made all the routine saves that he was supposed to, and then would make the saves that made attackers just shake their heads and applaud.

Defender — John Terry
He is a tough, intimidating leader on the field. Great in the air, a good organizer and simple on the ball, what more can you ask from a central defender.

Defender — Paolo Maldini
An ageless defender with more experience than entire teams have at the top level. A man who has won it all and seen it all, yet still plays with a passion that few can match

Defender — Javier Zanetti
Impossible to run by and good on the ball. Tireless on the field making run after run, and leads by example

Midfielder — Edgar Davids
He is an animal and intimidater on the field yet covers every inch. He hates to lose and is the ultimate competitor. Every team needs a hard man and an enforcer, and there are none better.

Midfielder — Cristiano Ronaldo
The perfect attacking player. He can dribble, head, cross and run better than anyone. Exciting to watch and always a threat.

Midfielder — Diego Maradona
Not much needs to be said. It was as if the ball was attached to his feet and he could command it at will. He played at a time when the game was much more physical, and he could never be marked out of a game.

Midfielder — Zinedine Zidane
It was like he was in slow motion while everyone was playing as fast as they could. He was so smooth on the ball and his touch so precise — it was beautiful to watch. Then he always made the big plays in the big games.

Striker — Didier Drogba
So big and strong with a deadly shot. Can create a goal out of nothing.

Striker — Fernando Torres
Fast, strong, smart and a hard worker. Scores big goals in big games and doesn’t shy away from a challenge. Got to love that.

Striker — Romário
Scored goals. The ultimate poacher with a cockiness that made you like him. When he said he was going to score he did.

Coach — Sir Alex Ferguson
It’s hard to stay on top for such a long time, something not many people can do. To keep a team of superstars happy and performing at its best must be an incredibly difficult. So my hat’s off to Sir Alex

Substitutes

Nemanja Vidic — Same as John Terry except he scores goals. Doesn’t seem to lead as much as Terry, so he is on the bench

Lionel Messi — So quick and fast with a unbelievable first touch. He blows by you before you even realize he has gotten the ball.

Pelé — Scored at will.

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