Union sign big-time scorer Ruiz

The Union Tuesday signed Guatemalan forward Carlos "El Pescadito" ("The Little Fish") Ruiz on a free transfer from Greek SuperLiga club Aris FC.

Ruiz, voted Major League Soccer's most valuable player in his first season, returns to the league after two years playing abroad. Ruiz will be eligible to play pending receiving his International Transfer Certificate. Terms of the deal will not be disclosed.

Ruiz signed with the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2002 and scored 24 goals to earn the league's MVP and Golden Boot awards. Ruiz won another Golden Boot award the following season, scoring 15 goals to tie Taylor Twellman for the top total in MLS.

In 2005, Ruiz was transferred to FC Dallas, where he stayed until 2008, tallying 31 goals and nine assists in 68 matches. In 2008, he was sent back to Los Angeles but was traded to Toronto FC when the summer transfer window opened.

Ruiz also holds the record with 16 goals in MLS postseason history. The 31-year-old is the 10th-highest all-time scorer in MLS history and third among active players.