Ruiz’s Goal Voted the Best in MLS

Galaxy forward Carlos Ruiz won Major League Soccer’s goal-of-the-year award for a game-winning volley on July 27 against the Columbus Crew.

Ruiz, who led the league with 24 goals in his first season in MLS, collected a cross from the far side by Alejandro Moreno and blasted a right-footed shot from the corner of the six-yard box just inside the left post to beat goalkeeper Jon Busch and give the Galaxy a 2-1 victory.

Ruiz received 36% of the 9,175 votes cast online over the past week at www.mlsnet.com.

San Jose Earthquake midfielder Ronnie Ekelund was second at 24% for his goal off a free kick Sept. 7 against the Crew.