GALAXY TONIGHT

vs. New York/New Jersey, 7:30

Site -- Home Depot Center.

Radio -- KMPC (1540), KMXE (830, Spanish).

Records -- Galaxy 6-4-3, MetroStars 4-3-4.

Record vs. MetroStars -- 0-1.

Update -- Coming off a 2-1 loss to the MetroStars on Saturday at East Rutherford, N.J., the sputtering Galaxy, which managed only one on-target shot in that game, should benefit from the return of prolific striker Carlos Ruiz, Major League Soccer’s leading goal scorer in each of the last two seasons. Ruiz was sidelined because of a severely sprained right ankle suffered May 15 and has sat out the last five games. But he was pronounced fit enough last week to join Guatemala’s national team for Sunday’s World Cup 2006 qualifying game against Suriname in Guatemala City, where he scored twice in a 3-1 victory. “It was encouraging to see him play well and score two goals,” Galaxy Coach Sigi Schmid said. “Carlos trained [Tuesday], and he looked fine. I don’t know if he’s going to play 90 minutes tomorrow, because playing in our league is a little bit tougher than playing Suriname, but I think he will be able to contribute.” Also back in the lineup is forward Jovan Kirovski, who had been with the U.S. national team for its 3-2 World Cup qualifying victory in Grenada but did not play. “Jovan’s probably a little disappointed at not getting any minutes, but for us it’s a plus because he’s a fresh player now,” Schmid said. Goalkeeper Kevin Hartman, meanwhile, has recovered from a thigh injury and is listed as probable.

Tickets -- (877) 342-5299.

-- Grahame L. Jones