“We are laying down the foundations of a competitive and winning team, and Ruiz is the ideal player to start with,” says Charlotte MLS Sporting Director Zoran Krneta. “We’ve been scouting him for several months. He is a natural leader and an intelligent, versatile midfielder, who will be joining Charlotte MLS in his prime. We are very pleased that he has decided to join us.”
Ruiz represented Racing in the past three seasons, after graduating from its reserve team in 2016. His six goals and seven assists in the 2018-19 campaign helped earn Racing promotion to the Spanish Second Division.
“He is someone who has adapted himself very well to different roles, whether that's playing in a two-man or a three-man midfield,” says Charlotte MLS Scouting Director Thomas Schaling.
“Every team needs mature, dependable players who think about the team first. Sergio is a technical midfielder who reads the game well, both with and without the ball. We are looking forward to seeing him represent us.”
Ruiz will occupy one of Charlotte MLS’s eight international roster slots. His signing came during MLS’ two-day transfer window, which fell before the start of the 2020 MLS Is Back Tournament. To maintain match fitness, Ruiz will be loaned out until Charlotte MLS begins play.