Major League Soccer confirmed Thursday that Houston Dynamo striker Brian Ching was fined $500 US for criticizing officials on Twitter.

Ching, 31, was slated to play for the United States in the Gold Cup last Saturday night, so watched on television as Houston lost 2-1 to the Seattle Sounders in an MLS matinee.

When linesman Emiliano Monje ruled Dynamo defender Mike Chabala had scored into his own net to tie it at 1-1 in the 32nd minute, Ching posted his reaction on Twitter.

“Ref in Seattle just cheated the Dynamo,” Ching tweeted. “What a joke.

“Not even close. Ref is a cheat.”

Ching later posted two apologies, claiming he was swept up in “the heat of the moment.”

Ching has five goals on 21 shots with one assist in 10 matches this season for the Dynamo, who visit Toronto FC on Saturday (CBC, CBCSports.ca, 1 p.m. ET).

He has totalled 62 goals and 22 assists in 140 matches (117 starts) over six MLS seasons with the Los Angeles Galaxy, San Jose Earthquakes and Dynamo.

Ching is Houston’s all-time leading scorer (36 goals, 10 assists) and was named the most valuable player in the 2006 MLS Cup.