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The Los Angeles Galaxy has traded Carlos Ruiz to Toronto FC, sources told SBI on Tuesday evening. Details of the deal were not available yet. To make room for Ruiz on the roster, TFC has waived French midfielder Laurent Robert.
The Galaxy's dealing of Ruiz now clears the way for LA to sign U.S. national team midfielder/defender Eddie Lewis.
Ruiz has struggled to establish himself with the Galaxy this season after suffering a knee injury in the season opener, scoring one goal in 10 matches this season. The 28-year-old Guatamalan striker has played better in recent weeks, but has been deemed surplus to requirements in Los Angeles, where the Galaxy has forwards Edson Buddle and Alan Gordon as well as Landon Donovan, who can also play up top.
The deal could turn out to be a steal for Toronto FC, which acquires an established goal scorer for what sources are calling a bargain price. TFC will now boast a forward stable that includes Ruiz, Danny Dichio, Chad Barrett and teen standout Abdus Ibrahim.
TFC will also be hoping that Ruiz and close friend Amado Guevara can find some magic together as both players have stated a desire to play together in the past.
Toronto parted ways with Laurent Robert, who started off well with TFC but had struggled in recent months. Recently-acquired American winger Johann Smith impressed in his debut and is seen as a natural successor on the left flank.
Eddie Lewis is now expected to join the Galaxy in time for LA's match against Chicago on Thursday. The Galaxy needed to move Ruiz's salary off its salary cap in order to acquire Lewis. The Galaxy secured Lewis' services after selecting him with the No. 1 spot in the MLS allocation order.
The acquisition of Lewis means the New York Red Bulls now hold the top spot in the MLS allocation order, but it doesn't appear that the team will be adding a player through that mechanism this season.
Both Ruiz and Lewis are in Guatemala City for Wednesday night's World Cup qualifier between the United States and Guatemala. Ruiz is expected to be in uniform for Toronto for Saturday's match against New England.
What do you think of the deal? Who came out ahead? Did the Galaxy make a smart move by getting rid of Ruiz and adding Lewis? Did Toronto get a steal? Will Guevara and Ruiz work magic together, or will they cause problems if things don't go well in Toronto?
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Originally Posted by Shakes McQueen
