Dynamo forwards focus on scoring in penalty area Dynamo focus on scoring

Ching vows aggressive play in penalty area

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The statistic caught Brian Ching by surprise, prompting the All-Star forward to take a step back after training Monday.

The Dynamo's all-time leading scorer took nine shots on goal last season, scoring on seven of them, including a bicycle kick during a three-goal display against the Chicago Fire in August.

"Wow," he said with a chuckle, "I need to shoot more. My goal this year is to create more opportunities for myself and my teammates."

Most elite forwards would love to convert their shots on goal at the rate Ching did last season, when he missed time with a hamstring injury and then during a training camp with the U.S. national team. But Ching expects more of himself, at least in terms of taking shots on goal.

Key departures

Brian Ching took nine shots on goal last season, scoring on seven of them. Brian Ching took nine shots on goal last season, scoring on seven of them. Photo: Mike Stobe, Getty Images Photo: Mike Stobe, Getty Images Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Dynamo forwards focus on scoring in penalty area 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

A year after leading the Dynamo in scoring, Ching, 32, is expected to lead the attack again. Dominic Oduro, who was tied with midfielder Brad Davis for second on the team with five goals last season, is gone.

Joseph Ngwenya is also gone, as is Luis Angel Landin, who was released last season.

Cam Weaver returns after a forgettable 2010, when he couldn't get rolling after suffering an ankle injury midway through an impressive start to camp. Jason Garey is a new addition along with rookie Will Bruin.

Tryout for Jamaican

Jamaican forward Steven Morrissey, the leading scorer in the Jamaican League, will enter the fray on a tryout today. Midfielder Lester Peltier of Trinidad and Tobago, also will begin his tryout today as coach Dominic Kinnear welcomes players on trial a week ahead of his previous plan.

Morrissey (5-9, 170 pounds) will get an opportunity to show he could be the speedy forward who can stretch the defense and complement Ching. Weaver, Bruin and Garey play more like Ching.

"I want to be creating more chances in the box, getting on the ball a lot more, getting the ball at the top of the box and taking shots," Ching said. "I want to create more shots for myself and my teammates."

Informed of Ching's comments, Kinnear approved.

"That'd be nice," Kinnear said. "That'd be great."

Ching didn't need to look back toward last season to find an example of the unselfishness he'd love to end. In Saturday's scrimmage against the Dynamo Academy, Ching beat his man and found himself alone near the end line with a scoring opportunity.

Instead of shooting, he passed the ball to midfielder Josue Soto, who couldn't convert a more difficult shot.

"Instead of shooting, I laid it off to Josue," Ching said, shaking his head. "I should have shot. I need to take more chances and take more shots."

Weaver took only six shots on goal last season, converting on half of them during an injury-plagued and frustrating season. More than most, Weaver is ready to put last season behind hm.

Weaver's woes

"It was frustrating for him, not only team-wise but fitness-wise," Kinnear said of Weaver.

Weaver agrees, and he's ready to compete for playing time while trying to remain healthy a year after playing only 14 regular-season games.

"For me," Weaver said, "I know I'm anxious to start playing and erasing last year."

jesus.ortiz@chron.com