Houston Dynamo striker Brian Ching has remained positive the whole way after being snubbed by USA coach Bob Bradley for his World Cup squad last month.
The 32-year old Hawaii native was left out of the final 23 but since the US team exited from the tournament, there were calls made wondering why Ching was not given a chance.
With Bradley's first choice strikers Jozy Altidore, Edson Buddle, Robbie Findley and Herculez Gomes all failing to hit the back of the net in four matches, people asked the question 'Where was Ching?'.
But the former LA Galaxy, Seattle Sounders and San Jose Earthquakes man was trying to stay away from the debate.
"I want to stay away from criticizing," he told the Star Advertiser "For me, personally, it was a painful decision that the coach made. I feel like I positioned myself well to make the team and contribute.
"I did get injured, but I was fit (at World Cup training)," Ching added. "I felt like I did everything in my power to deserve a spot. It was hard for me to take."
Ching added that he did, however, watch every minute of each USA World Cup match and was proud to be American after they showed tremendous strength and character after trailing in each of their outings.
"Of course I did. Many of them are my good friends and my heart goes out to them. You know, the way things went, a couple of mistakes early on and they got punished for them, but they fought back and showed the true American spirit," he added.
