Ruiz: Club Approved Absence
Forward Carlos Ruiz reported to the Galaxy on Wednesday -- two days after the team began training for the 2004 season.
Ruiz said through an interpreter that he had permission from team officials to miss the first two days of practice to be present for negotiations between officials of Municipal, the Guatemalan team that owns his rights, and Major League Soccer.
Galaxy General Manager Doug Hamilton had said Monday that Ruiz’s absence was unexcused.
“My agent [Richard Motzkin] is here. My agent knew of this all along. I have the same agent as [Galaxy Coach] Sigi Schmid, and they should have known fully what was going on,” Ruiz said after practice at the Home Depot Center.
Hamilton said the Galaxy knew Ruiz was going to be late.
“It was communicated, but that is not to say we agreed with the absence,” he said.
Hamilton said he would speak with Ruiz today before deciding whether any disciplinary action would be taken.
The Galaxy is expected to announce the signing of forward Jovan Kirvoski today.
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WUSA to Return
The Women’s United Soccer Assn., which folded in September after three seasons, will return on a much smaller scale this June in the form of several four-team tournaments to be held throughout the country.
The tournaments are designed to help the league maintain an identity with the hope of relaunching in 2005.
No sites have been determined.
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Agoos Re-Signs
Jeff Agoos, who in November captained the San Jose Earthquakes to their second MLS Cup in three seasons, has re-signed with the team.
Agoos, 35, also won championships with D.C. United in 1996, 1997 and 1999, and has made 134 appearances for the U.S. national team.
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FIFA Anniversary
FIFA, world soccer’s governing body, began celebrating its 100th year of existence by announcing the first five players from a list of the 100 greatest living players.
Those revealed were Thierry Henry of France, Roy Keane of Ireland, Mia Hamm of the United States, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge of Germany and Roberto Baggio of Italy.
The other 95, chosen by Brazilian legend Pele, will be announced March 4 in London.
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Copa Libertadores
Deportivo Cali of Colombia got goals from Mayer Candelo, Alvaro Dominguez and Carlos Castillo for a 3-2 upset road victory over Colo Colo of Chile at Santiago on the opening night of the Copa Libertadores tournament.
Santos Laguna of Mexico played Universidad de Concepcion of Chile to a 2-2 tie.
