Ruiz, a 20-year-old defender from California, spent the last two years with the U-20 squad of Brazilian first division club Figuerense. Prior to his move to Brazil, Ruiz played for De Anza Force of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy alongside U.S. U-20 internationals Benji Joya (Santos Laguna) and Marc Pelosi (Liverpool). The 6-foot-2 midfielder-turned-defender started 30 games for a De Anza Force U-16 team that finished in fourth place at USSDA Finals Week in 2010.

“I’ve always dreamed about playing in MLS and never thought I would get this opportunity,” Ruiz said. “I’m excited to be at a club that is doing really well now and will continue to do well in the future. They have a great coaching staff and facilities and I could not ask for any more at this point in my career.”

Sporting Kansas City returns to league action Saturday night when they host the New England Revolution at Sporting Park. Limited tickets are available and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or at the Sporting Park Box Office.

Transaction: Sporting Kansas City (MLS) acquires midfielder Jimmy Medranda on loan.



Jimmy Gerardo Medranda Obando

Position: Midfielder

Number: 94

Born: 2/7/94

Height: 5-5

Weight: 150

Hometown: Mosquera, Nariño, Colombia

Birthplace: Mosquera, Nariño, Colombia

Citizenship: Colombia

Twitter: @jimmymedranda