Former Houston Dynamo forward Brian Ching has been named Managing Director of the Houston Dash, the club announced today.

In the new role, Ching, 35, will manage day-to-day duties on both the business and technical sides of the newest National Women’s Soccer League franchise under the supervision of Dash and Dynamo team president Chris Canetti. While his focus will be primarily with the Dash, Ching will also advise Canetti and head coach Dominic Kinnear as needed on the technical side with the Dynamo.

“I am really looking forward to this new role with the club,” said Ching. “It is an exciting time for me and the club and a huge opportunity to help the Dynamo organization grow. I plan on making the Dash just as successful as the Dynamo on and off the field.”

Ching and Canetti are currently involved in identifying a head coach and compiling a technical staff for the Dash’s inaugural season before building the roster through an expansion draft (date TBD) and the NWSL College Draft on Jan. 17.

“This is great for the Dash and a perfect opportunity for Brian,” said Canetti. “He will be an effective leader and gain valuable experience in the process. I’m excited to work with him on developing the Dash into one of the premier women’s professional clubs in the world.”

Ching ended his playing career at the conclusion of the 2013 MLS season. A Dynamo original, he spent eight of his 12 MLS seasons in Houston and retired as the club’s all-time leading goal scorer. The first Hawaiian-born player to make an appearance for the U.S. men’s national team, Ching was capped 45 times and scored 11 goals in international play.