Ruiz a Metro?

Ives Galarcep of the Bergen (NJ) Record is reporting that the MetroStars are pursing a trade with LA for Carlos Ruiz (Guatemala), the 2002 and 2003 MLS scoring champion. There's rumor of a rift between Ruiz and Galaxy coach Steve Sampson, who coached the USMNT to a last-place finish at the '98 World Cup in France. Metro may move MNT-mainstay D Eddie Pope to get Ruiz. Pope became expendable after the Metros aquired former National Teamer Jeff Agoos from San Jose to anchor the backline. Combining the dangerous Ruiz with Honduran midfielder Amado Guevara, the 2004 MLS MVP, would significantly improve an already-potent Metro offense.