Galaxy's Ruiz Named 2002 MVP
Published on October 18, 2002 under Major League Soccer (MLS) News Release
NEW YORK (Friday, October 18, 2002) - At today's MLS Cup News Conference presented by Honda, Major League Soccer announced that Los Angeles Galaxy forward Carlos Ruiz has been selected as the League's 2002 Honda Most Valuable Player. The Guatemalan striker scored a League-high 24 goals, including nine game-winning tallies, in pacing the Galaxy's run to the Supporter Shield as the top team in MLS during the regular season.
"This award is something that fills me with pride given its importance, said Ruiz. "I am sure that this achievement will also be a source of pride for the Guatemalan people. I would like to dedicate the award to God, my family and my teammates."
Ruiz, 23, is the youngest player ever to win Honda MVP honors, eclipsing the mark of 26 set by the Dallas Burn's Jason Kreis in 1999. In just his first MLS season, Ruiz took the League by storm, finding the back of the net six times in the Galaxy's first four games. The ruthless finisher scorched MLS for 49 points on 24 goals and one assist, just four points behind Taylor Twellman for the Budweiser Scoring crown.
"Carlos has set a new standard for international players who wish to come compete in MLS with his exciting play and outstanding results," said Galaxy VP/GM Doug Hamilton. "This reward is a true testament to his ability and work ethic, which allow him to create goal scoring opportunities out of the smallest of openings and put constant pressure on our opponents."
The rugged striker scored both Los Angeles goals in a 2-1 overtime victory against D.C. United in his League debut on March 23 and created a buzz for the Galaxy fans the entire season, becoming the first-ever MLS player to score more than 50% of his team's goals during a single season.
Nicknamed "El Pescadito" (Little Fish) for his quick, elusive nature, Ruiz finished the season with seven multi-goal games, including a hat trick on August 31 to clinch the Galaxy's seventh consecutive trip to the MLS Cup Playoffs. His nine game-winning goals also led MLS.
"Carlos' success in MLS is based on his hunger to excel and the fact that he came into the League with the desire to take the next step in his international career," said Galaxy Head Coach Sigi Schmid. "He quickly integrated into the team and was willing to become part of the Galaxy family. His large repertoire of scoring abilities and commitment to our team played an invaluable role in our success this season."
Against defending champion San Jose, Ruiz tallied game-winners in two consecutive 1-0 thrillers during the final two weeks of the season to help his club capture the Western Conference title. Ending the season on a six-game goal-scoring streak, Ruiz almost single-handedly earned Los Angeles the Supporter's Shield and the top seed in the MLS Cup Playoffs.
The Honda Most Valuable Player award goes annually to the player whose presence made the biggest impact on his team's overall performance during the regular season. Ruiz edged out finalists Taylor Twellman and Mark Chung for the honor, which was selected by voting from MLS coaching staffs, general managers and players along with members of the Professional Soccer Reporter's Association.
Honda Most Valuable Player Award
2002: Carlos Ruiz (Los Angeles), 2001: Alex Pineda Chacon (Miami), 2000: Tony Meola (Kansas City), 1999: Jason Kreis (Dallas), 1998: Marco Etcheverry (D.C. United), 1997: Preki (Kansas City), 1996: Carlos Valderrama (Tampa Bay)
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- Galaxy's Ruiz Named 2002 MVP - MLS
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