BIG GAMES BRING OUT RUIZ'S BEST FORWARD RISES TO OCCASION WHEN GALAXY NEEDS A GOAL.

Byline: Fred J. Robledo Staff Writer

CARSON - Since Carlos Ruiz joined the Galaxy in 2002, he has been doing things at a rate never before seen in Major League Soccer.

His three-year totals of 50 goals and eight assists for 108 points is more than any other player during that span. By his own standards, Ruiz has had a difficult third season, which continues Saturday when the Galaxy play a semifinal game in Kansas City.

Although he led the Galaxy in scoring for the third consecutive season, with 11 goals and two assists, Ruiz played only a third of the games because of nagging injuries and World Cup qualifying commitments with Guatemala.

The two-time goalscoring champion entered the playoffs limping and in somewhat of a slump. He started only three of the final eight regular- season games and scored just one goal since June 24 before the playoffs.

Steve Sampson, who took over for Sigi Schmid as the Galaxy's coach in August, didn't make it easier for Ruiz. Sampson switched to a 4-5-1 formation that left Ruiz with less help, alone to fight his own battles up front.

As Ruiz has proved in the past, this is his time of year.

With the games more meaningful and the championship just a week away, Ruiz continues to show why he's the league's premier closer.

In the decisive first-round game Saturday against Colorado, Ruiz scored what was deemed the game-winning goal in the Galaxy's 2-0 victory. The Galaxy won the series 2-1 on aggregate goals.

Ruiz's total of 16 game-winning goals in 72 games ranks 10th on the all-time MLS list. Ruiz is averaging a game-winning goal every 4.5 games. The next closest is Chicago's Ante Razov at 7.0.

And in only 10 career playoff games, Ruiz has four game-winners, which leaves him only one shy of D.C. United's Jaime Moreno's all-time best of five in 23 games.

Who will ever forget Ruiz's biggest game-winner, which came in overtime against New England to give the Galaxy the MLS Cup title in 2002?

That's why many consider Ruiz the best player in MLS. It's also a reason he's predicting a victory Friday over the Wizards.

``This is the type of game where the best players make a difference in the match,'' Ruiz said. ``The best teams move forward, and I have no doubt the Galaxy will move on.''

It might not be that simple as Ruiz makes it sound. The Galaxy has not won in nine games on the road since June 27. The Galaxy is 3-29 on the road the past two seasons.

Ruiz, forever confident, said the past won't matter at all.

``We're going in with the mentality that we're going to use all our ability and all our force to win this game,'' Ruiz said. ``When you play a match in the regular season, there is always a game the next week. There's no next week if we lose.''

Ruiz also balks at talks of the Galaxy's scoring woes under Sampson. The team has scored nine goals in its past 10 games.

``Again, that was the regular season,'' said Ruiz. ``This game is totally different. There's no doubt in my mind that we're going to score goals.''

As long as Ruiz is on the pitch, the Galaxy has a chance. But how much longer will he be here? At 25, Ruiz has one year left on his contract.

``I have a very good life here in Los Angeles,'' Ruiz said. ``It's very tranquil. After my contract ends, I'll decide whether to stay or go.''

Ruiz has yearned to play in Europe. He wanted to depart after the 2002 season, but the offers weren't tempting enough. If the right team calls, don't expect him to hang around.

``I'm 25 years old, and I don't disillusion myself,'' he said. ``I know in Europe they play the best football. However, if I go to Europe, it will have to offer me the same tranquility that I have in Los Angeles.''

Fred Robledo, [phone]

fred.robledo(at)sgvn.com

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Photo:

Carlos Ruiz celebrates after his goal last Saturday helped the Galaxy beat Colorado and win the first-round series on aggregate goals.

Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press

Box:

MLS PLAYOFFS