Rutgers men’s soccer got a huge addition on Wednesday, adding Erick Ruiz to the roster. Ruiz is a midfielder who came up through the vaunted New York Red Bulls Academy.
He has also progressed to play for the New York Red Bulls II which played in the USL up through last year and is now in MLS Next Pro. The team has a track record of producing professional players, including United States international Tyler Adams.
Coming up through the Red Bulls system, Ruiz was a central midfielder. He has a strong work ethic and work rate, which the Red Bulls require of their holding midfielders.
Rutgers announced the signing of Ruiz on Wednesday, a bit of a coup for the Big Ten program considering that Ruiz was looked at as a player who could make the jump to the MLS level:
Done deal 👏
A big welcome to the newest Scarlet Knight, Erick Ruiz ⚽️#GoRU | #RUMS pic.twitter.com/3rP8JlPopY
— Rutgers Men’s Soccer (@RUMensSoccer) August 23, 2023
Ruiz is the first Pre-Academy player from the Red Bulls system to represent the New York Red Bulls II.
Listening to this now Erick Ruiz is a terrific late addition for @RUMensSoccer. A high level person tons of grit should compete for minutes in the midfield right away. Can also provide versatility on the backline. #RBNY
— Eric Friedlander (@Efried97) August 5, 2023
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