Whether it was inspiration for themselves, their children or players, Hawai'i soccer fans were excited to see professional soccer and some of the sport's biggest international, national and local stars.

They got their fill in the inaugural Pan-Pacific Championships last night at Aloha Stadium, when the Los Angeles Galaxy and Houston Dynamo of Major League Soccer, Gamba Osaka of Japan and Sydney FC of Australia played in a four-team exhibition tournament.

While fans were drawn to the game for the chance to see international soccer star David Beckham play for the Galaxy, local hero Brian Ching of the Dynamo had his share of supporters.

A crowd of 15,128 saw Gamba Osaka beat the Galaxy, 1-0, in the first game and Houston beat Sydney, 3-0, in the nightcap.

The Dynamo play Gamba on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. for the championship, preceded at 6 p.m. by a Galaxy-Sydney match.

PROUD OF 'UNCLE BRIAN'

Anabelle Dahlin and her children, Akila, 7, and Lana, 4, wore orange Dynamo jerseys. All are soccer players and family friends of Ching.

"I'm so proud of him," she said. "It's unbelievable that somebody from Hale'iwa can make it so big."

Akila, who calls Ching "Uncle Brian," said he tries to "be tricky and shoot in the goal," like Ching when he plays.

Anabelle, who is just returning to soccer, hoped to "get inspired to run faster" after watching last night's game.

She is excited for her children to see professional soccer. "I wish it was like that when we were younger," she added.

They were excited as well. She said her children "couldn't sleep last night" because of the excitement.

But not only young children were anticipating the game.

Financial adviser Murathan Oksuz, originally from Turkey but an O'ahu resident for 10 years, called himself a soccer "fanatic."

"I follow soccer if kids are kicking around in the parking lot," said Oksuz, who was tailgating in the Aloha Stadium parking lot before the game.

He said having this tournament in Hawai'i was like "winning the lottery."

"It's an excellent chance; I'm ecstatic," the 33-year-old added.

CHEERING SECTION

A group of about 10 yellow- and blue-clad fans kept up a constant stream of cheers. Beckham and Ching, the best-known players before this group of fans, received the most cheers whenever they got near the ball.

Fans nearly filled the middle sections of the lower, orange section but trickled home during the second game between the Dynamo and Sydney FC.

Those who stayed remained involved throughout the game, making whatever noise they could muster with help from Bam Bam sticks and voicing appreciation for every scoring opportunity.

At times, it seemed like the biggest thrills the crowd received was when a ball was cleared into the stands — although the hula the Dynamo did after goals by midfielder Dwayne De Rosario and Stuart Holden provided excitement.

"I think it's a great opportunity for soccer in Hawai'i," said Farrington High School boys soccer coach Jeremy Seitz, sitting in a group of 100-plus Ching supporters. "Coming from a public school like Farrington, any kind of exposure to soccer, especially at this level, is always a positive thing."

Seitz, a longtime fan and player who hoped to study the different playing and coaching styles, said most of his players were at the game.

"I'm here for the soccer, to see some stars and have a good time," he said.

Maui native Steven Soga was juggling a soccer ball with his friends in the parking lot before the game.

"I think it's really good for Hawai'i," said Soga, 22. "We don't have the opportunity to see professionals play."

It isn't the first time MLS teams played in Hawai'i. In 2005, the Galaxy played an exhibition game against D.C. United, which then featured Freddy Adu.

Without a professional soccer team or University of Hawai'i men's team, Soga said, he rarely watches soccer. He is familiar with the MLS and knows a little about the J-League, where Gamba Osaka plays, but nothing about the A-League, where Sydney FC plays.

Of Ching, Soga said, "It's pretty good to see a Hawai'i guy in the MLS" but exciting to see Beckham and Galaxy midfielder Landon Donovan, although Donovan didn't play because of an injury.

"I don't care who wins," he said. "I just like to watch soccer, and it's Beckham. You have to bend it like Beckham."

And Beckham didn't disappoint, starting the game against Gamba Osaka. Anticipation and camera flashes went crazy when Beckham lined up to take a free kick, the star's specialty.

Here are scoring summaries of the games: