CARSON, Calif. – Carlos Ruiz’s famous goal helped deliver the LA Galaxy their first MLS Cup title in 2002, and now 15 years later, El Pescadito is returning to StubHub Center.
Ruiz will be honored along with Cobi Jones, Landon Donovan, and Clint Mathis at halftime of the team’s Legends Night celebration at their match with the Montreal Impact on Friday. The event is the triumphant return for Ruiz who scored the game-winning goal in extra time of the Galaxy’s 2002 MLS Cup victory over the New England Revolution. The Guatemalan striker spent four years with the Galaxy over two tours of duty from 2002-2004 and 2008, scoring 62 times in Los Angeles.
“It means a lot to be honored. I spent four years in LA playing for a team that I really love. I have some great memories of those years and great teammates. I was part of the team that won the first championship for the LA Galaxy, and that’s pretty special. LA Galaxy are the team that everyone wants to play for and the team that everyone outside of MLS recognizes, “Ruiz told LA Galaxy Insider.
The Guatemalan striker catapulted himself to iconic status within the club after his first season with 24 goals in regular season play and following it up his legendary finish to help Los Angeles lift their first MLS Cup trophy. Ruiz spent two more seasons with the Galaxy and then returned to the club in 2008 for one final season in Los Angeles.
Although his first tenure with the club ended in controversial fashion after he was dealt to FC Dallas as part of the move that brought Donovan to the Galaxy, the Guatemalan soccer legend admits that he was disappointed to leave Los Angeles, his love for the Galaxy and their loyal fans never faltered.
“After I got traded to Dallas, I was very upset with the club for how that happened because Landon wanted to play for L.A. and I was the only one that had to leave. I was really upset with the club, but you know, soccer is like that. My love for the club never changed. I have a deep respect for the club and the fans as well,” Ruiz said. “For a few years, I was asking myself why the club did not contact me again because I saw many photos of club legends going to the game and now that I have this invitation, I’m very happy to return, and I’m very happy to see the fans and to feel the love of the city.
“I was part of the team that won the first championship for the LA Galaxy. I always respected my teammates and the coaching staff that helped built that team. It was a magic year for me because I scored a lot of goals and we won the championship. My speech to the fans is to say thank you for all the support. Thank you for never giving up when the team moved from Pasadena to Carson, many people were upset because of that change, but no one ever gave up. I want to thank them for supporting my career and supporting me always.”
Now 37-years-old, Ruiz has officially stepped away from the game after ending his storied career with a final stop at FC Dallas last season. Just months removed from his playing career, Ruiz is currently working with beIn SPORTS as a soccer analyst and has plans to open up a youth soccer academy.
His playing times behind him, the legendary El Pescadito can only smile when remembering his time with the Galaxy.
"[Friday] means a lot because I played only four years in LA. To receive the title of legend from a team where I only played four years is magic. In Guatemala, even though I am Guatemalan, I never received that honor like that before. All the Guatemalans that followed my career are very happy about what is going to happen [on Friday], and that’s a great thing. To receive this invitation means a lot and so does to have Guatemalans part of this celebration."
