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The "Little Fish" has flopped his way back into America for a third time. Former Guatemalan international striker Carlos Ruiz returned to Major League Soccer for yet another try.
D.C. United acquired Ruiz today through the allocation draft, announcing the move with a short post on the team's official website with a video attached. Ruiz, 33, has had stints with multiple MLS clubs, including the Philadelphia Union.
Ruiz spent two thirds of a season in 2011 with the Union before departing on questionable terms that August. He scored six goals in 14 MLS regular season appearances for Philadelphia prior to the transfer.
The Union reportedly received some part of $500,000 in transfer fees, according to Fox Soccer's Brian Dunseth, who tweeted shortly after the sale of Ruiz that "unconfirmed reports" had "placed the value" at that amount.
Just as controversial as his departure was his time with the Union, which was marred by fan criticism of his style of play. Considered to have a low work rate, Ruiz's perceived laziness on the field clashed with the Philadelphia fan demand of hustle out of athletes.