Carlos "Little Fish" Ruiz with his former club the LA Galaxy

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After missing Saturday's game there were rumblings that Toronto's freshly acquired striker was having doubts about playing on BMO's turf or in Canada or in front of fans who care etc....

Coach John Carver dismissed those rumours quickly and confirmed that Ruiz would meet up with his new club today and travel with them to a week long bonding retreat in Collingwood.

He also dismissed doubters who say that Ruiz is potentially another Jeff Cunningham and that he is on the down swing of his career.

"He can be a hero here. It's not like he is in his mid-thirties, so he has some good years still ahead of him. If he gets a few early goals the supporters will love him and he could become an icon"

Ruiz has one goal this season. Down from seven in 2007. So the critical comparisons to Jeff Cunningham are just.

But I'm willing to believe that his lack of performance comes from playing within a system that wasn't his own. It's bright and clear now that the LA Galaxy are being run by the David Beckham camp - rightfully so is up for debate. But what's not is that Ruiz couldn't find his footing playing with the bending crosses of Beckham. Ruiz is a play the ball on the grass (and now on the turf) kind of player. He does best with the ball at his feet and not to his head.

And he is being a given an opportunity for redemption here in Toronto. Fitness is an issue - yes. I also choose to believe the TFC's fitness trainer Paul Winsper can help in that department. Rohan Ricketts, who struggled early on in the year, is a testament to that.

At this point in the season, with nine games remaining, Toronto needs more than a goal scorer, they need a leader down the stretch. TFC has looked disjointed at the best of times this year. They need someone to bring them together. Ruiz has the ability to do that.

Whether he chooses to is still up for debate.

Cheers

- Ben Rycroft

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