The Los Angeles Galaxy faces D.C. United tonight without its most effective attacking weapon. Carlos Ruiz, who has scored a league-leading six goals this season and 39 regular season goals in 2002 and 2003, suffered a severely sprained ankle injury in last weekend's 1-1 tie with Colorado.
An MRI revealed no fractures nor ligaments tears, but the Associated Press reported Ruiz may be out for four to six weeks. MLS's Web site reported that Ruiz will miss at least two games – the Galaxy faces San Jose Saturday and — that he will be reevaluated next week.
Also hit by injuries on the Galaxy roster are: Jovan Kirovski (sprained foot), Danny Califf and Tyrone Marshall (knee injuries) and midfielder Peter Vagenas (strained groin muscle).
Rookie forward rookie Joseph Ngwenya is expected to get his first start of the season.
D.C. United is also plagued by injuries to starters as Ben Olsen, Ryan Nelsen and Bobby Convey are not expected to play tonight.
(home team listed first)
Wednesday, May 19, 7:30 pm ET/4:30 pm PT DC UNITED (2-2-3, 9 pts) vs. LOS ANGELES (3-1-3, 12 pts)
TV: HDNet, Comcast (DC), KWHY (LA). Direct Kick: DirecTV – 794; Dish Net – 464; InDemand.
Key Players Out: Los Angeles – FW Carlos Ruiz (R ankle sprain), Jovan Kirovski (sprained foot), D Danny Califf (knee), D Tyrone Marshall (knee injuries), M Peter Vagenas (strained groin muscle); DC United – FW Santino Quaranta (adductor surgery), FW Eliseo Quintanilla (R fibula fracture), FW Thiago Martins (L ACL surgery), M Bobby Convey (hamstring), D Ryan Nelsen (groin, shin), M Ben Olsen (strained quadriceps).
Referee: Alex Prus.