Ricketts saves the day for Galaxy
LA goalkeeper stops 11 shots in road victory over TFC
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On Saturday, Ricketts did everything but stand on his head, silencing some of the misguided critics while putting on a memorable and athletic netminding clinic against Toronto FC as the Galaxy extended their winning streak to 10 games and recorded a 2-1 win at BMO Field in Toronto.
Ricketts turned back 11 shots on goal by the hometown Reds, who had desperately pressed for an equalizer after Los Angeles striker Alan Gordon had given his team the lead in the fifth minute.
"Donovan was outstanding, he is a great goalkeeper," said Galaxy coach Bruce Arena. "Part of the reason why we don't lose games is largely because of Ricketts and he showed it again today - when we needed big saves he was there and had a fantastic game."
The Reggae Boyz 'keeper was acquired from Jamaican Premier League club Village United in December and has allowed just nine goals in 10 games this season while also silencing the pundits who had questioned his signing.
"As you can see Bruce has put a lot of faith in me by going for a Jamaican when a lot of people asked: Why are you going for a Jamaican?" said Ricketts. "I'm just glad he believed in me and now I have a chance to repay the coach for backing me up and supporting me."
Ricketts played more than 100 games for Bradford City of England's second division between 2004 and 2008.
Ricketts actions between the two goalposts speak louder than the usually soft-spoken words of the 32-year-old who has represented his country on 72 occasions.
In the 21st minute the 6-foot-4 'keeper soared above lanky Toronto striker Danny Dichio, collided with the ominous head shaven striker in mid-air, before collecting the ball safely in his gloves.
As Toronto continued to press Ricketts stopped Toronto's Argentinean midfielder Pablo Vitti at point-blank range in the 34th minute. Vitti had brought down a centering pass from Dichio and corked a header towards the corner of the goal forcing Ricketts to dive to his left.
"It wasn't as hard a save as you might think," Ricketts said. "I saw it coming and the ball looped instead of going on a straight line -- so I had time to get over and push it out of harm's way."
Ricketts credited Toronto striker Chad Barrett as launching the most difficult shot to stop. In the 24th minute Barrett barreled in on goal, forcing the 'keeper to race off his line and make a diving body block.
Dichio would finally beat Ricketts in the 64th minute when a frantic goalmouth scramble ensued after Barrett's hard shot rebounded off the goal post. Ricketts had brilliantly stopped the resulting rebound by Toronto midfielder Carl Robinson but the ball fell to Dichio at the side of the Toronto goal.
With Ricketts still on the ground Dichio nodded the ball across the goal line for the Reds only goal of the match.
"This was my second game playing in this stadium and it is a tough place to win," said Ricketts. "I played here in last September's World Cup qualifying match for Jamaica. TFC are a good team and we were fortunate to come away with three points."
Two minutes before the goal, an unidentified Toronto player had stood on Ricketts' hand after the 'keeper had made another brilliant stop on Barrett.
The 'keeper pointed to his bent and slightly inflamed digit in the Galaxy locker room and said injuries such injuries "come with the territory."
Ricketts was also forced out of his penalty area on several occasions during the game and broke up several Toronto rushes forward.
Second-half substitute Edson Buddle finally rescued the Galaxy from the grim prospects of their 10th tie of the season when he bagged the winner in the 77th minute. Buddle stroked the ball past Toronto goalkeeper Stefan Frei after collecting a precision pass from Gordon sending Ricketts and his team-mates into wild celebrations.
But instead of gloating about his winning strike, the former Toronto FC forward was quick to rave about the play of Ricketts who seemed to steal the show on a sunny and mild spring afternoon in Toronto.
"He did a great job for us today, is having a good season because he came here with a good attitude," said Buddle. "He is able to provide us with outstanding goaltending and simply makes this team more confident -- it is plain to see why he has secured a spot on this team."
Peter Mallett is a contributor to MLSnet.com
