HOUSTON » The 2011 season has been a tough one for Brian Ching as the Haleiwa native battles hamstring, rib and foot injuries.

The 34-year-old forward only recently returned to the field for Houston of Major League Soccer and to date has appeared in only six matches with one start.

But things are definitely looking up for the Dynamo captain.

"I feel good. I feel fit. I feel healthy. I’m looking forward to the rest of the season," Ching said.

Having an injury-filled season has not only frustrated him personally, but it has also affected him on a much deeper level.

"Personally, it’s been a really frustrating year," Ching said. "When you pick up these little injuries here and there, it prevents you from helping the team out. I haven’t been able to help set an example for the team, being captain. In that sense, it’s been really frustrating."

Dominic Kinnear has coached Ching since 2003 in San Jose. The Dynamo head coach is definitely glad to see his captain back on the field.

"I think he’s a good example, especially for someone like Will Bruin, who plays the same position," he said. "I think you can tell when Brian’s not around. There’s definitely something missing as far as just him on the field but also personality wise as well."

Playing for Kinnear, Ching has been part of three MLS Cup-winning teams — one in San Jose and two in Houston. Over those nine seasons, they have developed a strong bond.

"A guy who has given me my chance in the league, helped me excel and be the player that I am," Ching said. "I don’t think there’s any other coach in the league who I would play for from this point on in my career.

"He’s a player’s coach, one who gives you a lot of freedom and demands a lot from you. He’s somebody who I’m grateful for being able to play for."

Ching is one of two players from Hawaii in MLS (the other is Maui High grad Zach Scott of the Seattle Sounders), something he takes much pride in.

"I miss the Hawaii spirit, the Aloha spirit. I love going back because the people there are so nice, so supportive and so appreciative of what I’ve accomplished," he said.

Part of his annual trip back to Hawaii is devoted to a soccer camp he conducts right after Christmas.

"I think I’ve done it for over 11 years now. I always like to go back, give back in that way and build relationships with the kids who come to the camp," Ching said. "When I was growing up, there were only a handful of us who went on to Division I scholarships. Now I think there’s between 30 and 40 kids who have done that. To see that growth is pretty special."

This year is his 10th in the MLS. At 34, he’s far from over the hill, but he’s been thinking about what he might want to do once his playing days are over.

"I definitely think about it more and more," Ching said. "With every little injury, that thought creeps in more and more of what I want to do after soccer. I haven’t really settled on anything."

Could that future include coaching? If so, his current coach believes he has the skill set to be successful in that new arena.

"I’ve always admired his attitude and his determination," Kinnear said. "He’s had his highs and lows that would set him up to be a coach. I think he would have a lot to offer."