El Gato

24 September 2007

New York (Chinatown Newswire) — As part of a new off-season training regime, Chinatown Soccer Club goalkeeper Gerald “El Gato” Ding competed in the Jiu-Jitsu world championships in Long Beach, California earlier this summer.

Ding fought in the blue belt lightweight division and only lost his fight by two points.

“It was a tough battle but I’m proud of how I did and to represent the colors of the CSC on my uniform,” Ding said.

“I think El Gato deserved to win,” said the CSC’s German center back Marco Spier who attended the event to lend support to his teammate and make an appearance at a West Coast fundraiser for the club.

Even the ever sceptical Coach Stochl had a few positive words for his goalkeeper.

“As long as he doesn’t get injured he’s got my blessings,” Stochl said.

“But I hope he remembers that back on the training pitch I could take him any time,” added the coach, tongue firmly in cheek.