Donovan named MLS Player of the week.

tsaldana3 · Apr 13, 2009

Ricketts, that is. Thumbs up.

http://web.mlsnet.com/news/mls_news.jsp?ymd=20090413&content_id=239345&vkey=pr_mls&fext=.jsp

NEW YORK -- Los Angeles Galaxy goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts was voted Major League Soccer's Player of the Week for Week 4 of the 2009 season. Ricketts had five saves and withstood 12 shots as the Los Angeles Galaxy played to a 0-0 draw with Chivas USA in this season's first installment of the SuperClásico.

This is Ricketts' first Player of the Week award, and this marks the first time since 2006 that two goalkeepers (Kasey Keller in Week 2) have been named Player of the Week in the same season. Troy Perkins and Joe Cannon took home the award in Weeks 13 and 27 of the 2006 season.

Ricketts was poised in goal for the Galaxy, starting in his first MLS game and weathering three early opportunities from Chivas USA to keep the Galaxy level. In the 17th minute Chivas USA forward Eduardo Lillingston broke past the Galaxy back line and into a one-on-one position with the Galaxy keeper. Ricketts blocked Lillingston's shot and Galaxy defender Omar Gonzalez cleared the ball out of play.

Ricketts was tested again in the waning moments of the second half. After Greg Berhalter was sent off in the 79th minute for denying a goal scoring opportunity, the Galaxy were forced to play a man down for the final 11 minutes of the game. The 31-year-old MLS newcomer denied both Chivas scoring opportunities in stoppage time, including a low hard drive from Chivas USA midfielder Sacha Kljestan.

Ricketts, from Montego Bay, Jamaica, signed with the Los Angeles Galaxy on Dec. 23, 2008. He began his professional career with Jamaican side Village United before moving to English club Bradford City where he made 104 appearances from 2005-2008. Ricketts has played a significant role in Jamaica's FIFA World Cup qualifying efforts in 2002, 2006, and 2010, notching 72 career appearances for the Jamaican national team.
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Benz280 · Apr 13, 2009

Go Ricketts go

socluis90 · Apr 13, 2009

I was gona say WTH did Donovan do this week to merit POTW. You got me

dathay · Apr 14, 2009

He did a fantastic job. Not just saving goals but also in being a VIABLE pass back option. When the ball got passed back to Saunder's I always had a bit of a panic attack (which apparently matched his).

Looking forward to what this week's game will bring.

jscott23 · Apr 14, 2009

Even when played back under pressure, nearly every ball was played well beyond midfield. I don't know if he is the real deal or not, but he is light years ahead of Saunders in technical ability and confidence.

Time will tell whether he is the long-term answer back there for us, but kudos on a terrific MLS debut!

Ron86 · Apr 15, 2009

How much more great will Ricketts be with some decent center backs.

TrickHog · Apr 15, 2009

He played a great game. Now, let's see 3 or 4 in a row like that....

iride_mybike · Apr 15, 2009

TrickHog said: ↑

He played a great game. Now, let's see 3 or 4 in a row like that....
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I'd rather see 3 or 4 in a row where he didn't have to play like that.

TrickHog · Apr 15, 2009

iride_mybike said: ↑

I'd rather see 3 or 4 in a row where he didn't have to play like that.
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True. But right now I'll take whatever I can get....

sacris00 · Apr 15, 2009

I hope he will do well all the way.......

Hey Ricketts,don't let the Smurfs make any goal.......

Natsoccer · Apr 16, 2009

TrickHog said: ↑

He played a great game. Now, let's see 3 or 4 in a row like that....
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Yeah, if he ever lets in a goal, we will revoke his POTW award.
As long as he gets clean sheets and makes spiderman saves, he can stay