RSL midfielder Pablo Ruiz perseveres through tragedy

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SANDY — Midfielder Pablo Ruiz is one of two Real Salt Lake players to start in every MLS match so far this season, and he wasn't going to let that streak end last week, even in the face of tragedy.

Ruiz, a native of Comodoro de Rivadavia, Argentina, received word on April 21 that his father had died, right in the middle of an already tumultuous three-match week. The team was coming off of an historic 6-0 loss at New York City FC and a disappointing 1-0 loss in the U.S. Open Cup to Hailstorm FC at home just the day before the news arrived.

With another league match coming up in two days in Portland, Ruiz was offered little time to rest or process the news. In the last conversation he had with his father before his passing, Ruiz said he was encouraged to continue to do what he loved, no matter what happened, so that's what he did.

Ruiz traveled with the team to Portland and joined goalkeeper Zach MacMath as the only players to start in all nine games for the Claret and Cobalt this season. He continued to provide a steady presence in the middle of the field, helping the defense keep a shutout, and even getting a shot off himself, even though it hit the post.

After the game, Ruiz was given the game ball by one of the team owners to honor his father. Ruiz said it was a "special moment" for him, and the words of the owners and his teammates helped him get through everything.

A great moment captured between Marcelo Silva and Pablo Ruiz in Portland on Saturday. Ruiz found out just two days prior that his father had passed away, but decided to stay with the team and play in honor of his father. pic.twitter.com/ZvErlmdlmH
— Caleb Turner (@calebturner23) April 26, 2022

Next up for Ruiz and RSL is the red-hot LA Galaxy, who visit Rio Tinto Stadium unbeaten so far in the month of April (3-0-1). The latest iteration of the longtime rival is headlined by Chicharito and Douglas Costa in a deadly attack that has produced six goals in its last four matches.

Ruiz said securing the midfield and limiting Costa's chances will be key to a victory on Saturday in Sandy, while RSL striker Bobby Wood said they have to be "ready for anything."

"It's gonna be a very tough game," Wood said. "They've always got the quality players, the individual players that can kind of decide a game. We just have to put our chests out and be ready for anything. We just have to build that confidence and show that we're the home team."

RSL remains unbeaten at home this season, with two wins and a draw. The Galaxy fixture marks the start of an extended home stand for RSL, wherein eight of the next 12 matches will be played at Rio Tinto Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. MDT.