Carlos Ruiz (red jersey) is aiding FC Dallas' cause in MLS and the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League. (Photo: Mexsport)
FRISCO, Texas – FC Dallas (17W-8D-8L, 59 points) reclaimed the best overall record in Major League Soccer and inched closer to the Supporters Shield crown with a 2-1 victory over the visiting Seattle Sounders on Sunday afternoon at Toyota Stadium.
Recent-signee Carlos Ruiz scored the game-winning goal in the 89th minute, breaking a 1-1 deadlock by volleying past goalkeeper Stefan Frei for his 89th career goal in MLS.
After Nicolas Lodeiro gave Seattle a 1-0 lead four minutes prior to halftime, the host equalized through Maximiliano Urruti, who put away a 79th minute rebound.
“I admire this group of players,” said FC Dallas head coach Oscar Pareja. “It is a privilege for me to see them fighting for every single ball in every single minute. For me, it’s easy to coach them. It’s just some ideas, but the execution is all players. Tonight was a good example of it.
The spirited victory comes just days before FCD travels to Guatemala for the last 2016/17 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League match against Suchitepequez. The sides are level atop the Group H table on five points after they played to a scoreless draw on September 28.
Although it remains to be seen if Ruiz will play a role in his native Guatemala, he is enjoying his second spell in Dallas.
“I am very happy,” said the former Guatemala international. “I am glad to be here. This is a miracle. I am a believer. To be 37-years-old and to still be playing here is unbelievable. It was a great feeling being able to help my teammates. I am part of the best team in Major League Soccer.
“I am here to help. Sometimes I am not going to play. Sometimes I am going to play a little bit. The whole reason for me being here is to try and help.
