Candace Ching Leads Sacramento State Soccer Attack

The junior forward has thrived since moving to the center forward position for the 2026 season.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Soccer

Candace Ching Leads Sacramento State Soccer Attack

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Sacramento State junior forward Candace Ching has emerged as a key offensive contributor this season. She has recorded five goals and three assists through 14 games.

Why it matters

The team required a consistent presence at the center forward position for the 2026 season. Ching successfully transitioned from her previous role on the wing to fill this tactical gap.

Ching has recorded five goals and three assists for a total of 13 points in 14 games during the 2026 junior season. She notably scored two goals in a four-minute span against Southern Utah on August 27.

The players

Candace Ching

She is a junior forward for Sacramento State who previously played at Punahou High School.

Sacramento State

This university is the home of the Hornets soccer team that competes in the Big Sky Conference.

Punahou High School

This Honolulu institution is known for an athletic program that has won 565 state championships.

The details

After transferring from the University of Nevada in 2024, Ching evolved from a substitute role to a starting position. Her current performance builds upon her earlier experience at Punahou High School in Honolulu.

2011 marks the last year Punahou High School secured a state title.
2023 was the year Ching committed to the University of Nevada.
2024 was the year Ching transferred to Sacramento State.
2025 was the season Sacramento State finished last in its conference.
August 27, 2026, was the date Ching scored twice against Southern Utah.

Season Trajectory

The program is currently focused on improving its conference standing following a difficult 2025 season. Ching’s shift to center forward is central to the team's effort to return to the form that secured the 2024 Big Sky Conference championship.

Ching’s move to center forward changes the team's offensive structure and rotation for the remainder of the season. Her 13 points in 14 games suggest she is now the primary focal point for the team's scoring production.

The takeaway

Ching's success illustrates the impact of positional adjustments when a team faces specific roster needs. Her path from a high-school recruit to a college starter demonstrates the developmental timeline typical of student-athletes.