Carlos Ruiz is reportedly close to making his return to MLS.
The Guatemalan striker is on the cusp of signing with FC Dallas, according to the club’s MLS beat writer Scott Sidway. The move was hinted by ESPN color commentator Taylor Twellman during last night’s US Open Cup final, a 4-2 win for Dallas over the New England Revolution. An announcement is expected to be made on Ruiz joining the team as early as Thursday.
Carlos Ruiz just entered FCDallas facilities. Source says to expect a formal announcement on a signing tomorrow. @MLS #mls #fcdallas
— Scott Sidway (@ScottyTKO_) September 14, 2016
Report: Carlos Ruiz Close To Signing With FC Dallas
The signing is expected to bolster an already prolific attack from the current Supporters’ Shield leaders. The club’s 45 goals scored is sixth best in the league. That said, not one player has ten or more goals with Michael Barrios leading the team with eight.
It wouldn’t be the first time that Ruiz has played in Dallas during his extensive career that has spanned over 20 years. He made 74 appearances for the club between 2005 and 2007. During that time, he scored 36 goals in all competitions.
But Ruiz is perhaps best known for his three-year stint with the LA Galaxy which began in 2002. That year, “El Pescadito” led the league with 24 goals during the regular season en route to being named league MVP. The Galaxy would romp to the Supporters’ Shield.
In the playoffs, he added eight more goals including a 113th minute tally in the MLS Cup final against New England. It was the only score of the game and helped clinch the Galaxy’s first ever championship.
The 36-year-old Ruiz had a second spell with LA in 2008 and has also played for three other MLS clubs. He made five appearances for Toronto FC after being traded there from LA. In addition, he’s been with the Philadelphia Union in 2011 as well as DC United in 2013.
Ruiz had previously played his club soccer for C.S.D. Municipal in his native Guatemala. He has spent the last three seasons there, tallying 46 goals in 86 appearances. This included four goals in CONCACAF Champions League play in 2014-15 and 2015-16. Municipal finished second in group play both years.
It’s impossible to talk about Ruiz without discussing his contribution to the Guatemalan national team. His 133 appearances for Los Chapines is more than any other player. Ruiz recently announced his retirement from international play, but ended it with a bang. He put in five goals in Guatemala’s 9-3 win over St. Vincent and the Grenadines on September 6th in the final game of CONCACAF semifinal round World Cup Qualifying.
FC Dallas’ next match takes place this coming Saturday on the road against New York City FC. The match kicks off at 7 PM ET.
