Ruiz Lifts Galaxy in Overtime

A golden goal in the 101st minute by high-scoring forward Carlos Ruiz carried the Galaxy past the San Jose Earthquakes, 1-0, Wednesday night at Spartan Stadium and into the U.S. Open Cup semifinals against Dallas.

The defending U.S. Open Cup champion Galaxy will play host to Dallas, 1-0 overtime winner over the Colorado Rapids, on Sept. 3 at Cal State Fullerton’s Titan Stadium at 8 p.m.

Ruiz silenced what was left of a crowd of 6,481 in the 11th minute of overtime.

Camped near midfield, Ruiz took a long curling pass from Ezra Hendrickson, who was on the right sideline after separating himself from Jeff Agoos and shielding the ball from the San Jose defender.

With Earthquake defender Jimmy Conrad closing in, Ruiz turned toward the San Jose goal and lightly tapped the ball over the head of the onrushing Conrad with his right foot and gained control while on the run.

No one was between Ruiz and San Jose goalkeeper Jon Conway, who guessed left while Ruiz went right, firing a right-footed shot from about 14 yards out and depositing the ball into the upper right corner of the net.