Ching out at least several weeks

U.S. striker Brian Ching will be sidelined for at least several weeks after hurting his left hamstring playing for Major League Soccer's Houston Dynamo, an injury that could hamper his preparations for the World Cup.

Dynamo spokesman Lester Gretsch said Ching was re-evaluated by team doctors Friday, but no MRI was taken because of the Good Friday holiday. He says Ching will be out at least a few weeks but the projected length of the layoff won't be known until early next week.

Ching was substituted in the Dynamo's home opener against Real Salt Lake on Thursday night because of the strain.

The 31-year-old from Hawaii made his national team debut in 2003 and has 11 goals in 44 international appearances. He was in the 2006 World Cup squad but didn't play in Germany.

With Sochaux's Charlie Davies still sidelined because of severe injuries sustained in an October car crash, the U.S. is uncertain who will start alongside Hull's Jozy Altidore. Ching and Colorado striker Conor Casey have been competing to make the 23-man squad.

The U.S. team will gather in mid-May ahead of its World Cup opener against England on June 12 in Rustenburg, South Africa. The Americans have exhibitions against the Czech Republic (May 25 at East Hartford, Connecticut), Turkey (May 29 at Philadelphia) and Australia (June 5 at Roodepoort, South Africa) before meeting England.