Brendan Ruiz

HOW OBTAINED: Acquired from Brazilian side Figuerense on Aug. 9, 2013.

BIO: 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-1 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.