Galaxy sign Jamaican GK Ricketts

[Assasin]

Galaxy sign Jamaican GK Ricketts



Los Angeles Galaxy Media Relations


Donovan Ricketts nearly led the Jamaican national team to the final round of World Cup qualifying. (AP)

CARSON, Calif. -- The LA Galaxy have signed Jamaican goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts, the club announced Tuesday. An experienced goalkeeper at the international level, Ricketts joins the Galaxy after previous stints with Village United of the Digicel Premier League in Jamaica, Bolton Wanderers of the English Premier League and Bradford City of League Two in England. Ricketts, 31, will officially be added to the Galaxy's roster, pending receipt of his P-1 Visa and International Transfer Clearance (ITC). Per league and team policy, details of the contract were not disclosed.

"I have known Donovan for a number of years as a goalkeeper with the Jamaican National Team and have always been impressed with his physical qualities. After a closer examination of the player, I am absolutely amazed with his abilities both on and off the field," said Galaxy General Manager and Head Coach Bruce Arena. "It is also a position that we felt the need to improve and believe that he will be a great addition to our team and has the potential to be one of the best goalkeepers in MLS."

At 6-foot-4, Rickets is a commanding presence in the box. A member of Jamaica's 1998 World Cup squad as a 21-year-old, Ricketts has made 67 international appearances for his country. He boasts an impressive 11-7-6 record in 24 World Cup qualifying matches, including all eight of Jamaica's games during qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Despite recording three consecutive shutouts at the end of the qualifying campaign, including one in a 1-0 win over Mexico in Kingston, Jamaica on October 10, Ricketts and the Reggae Boyz narrowly missed out on advancing to the final stages of the 2010 CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying, losing out to Mexico on goal difference. Earlier this month, he helped lead Jamaica to the 2008 Digicel Caribbean Championships where they defeated Grenada 2-0 in the final.

A native of Montego Bay, Jamaica, Rickets started his professional career playing for his hometown club of F.C. Waddadah before signing with Village United, who plays in Jamaica's top league, in 2002. In January 2004, he moved to England, signing with Bolton Wanderers of the English Premier League. Ricketts never played a game for Bolton and in July 2004 was signed on loan by League Two side Bradford City, who then signed him on a permanent basis at the end of that season. He spent four years with the Bantams, appearing in more than 115 games for the club before returning to Jamaica to again sign with Village United this summer.

With Christmas just around the corner, fans can still take advantage of the LA Galaxy Holiday pack, a great deal which includes four tickets to the season opener against D.C. United on March 22 at The Home Depot Center, two Galaxy scarves and one holiday card from the Galaxy. Call 1-877-3GALAXY or visit www.lagalaxy.com for more details or to purchase your 2009 Galaxy season seats.

Transaction: LA Galaxy sign goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts.
NAME: Donovan Ricketts
NUMBER: --
POSITION: Goalkeeper
HT: 6-4
WT: --
DATE OF BIRTH: June 7, 1977
HOMETOWN: Montego Bay, Jamaica
LAST CLUB: Village United (Jamaica)
NATIONALITY: Jamaica
ROSTER DESIGNATION: International

[Me]

I hope it works out for him.

[Tilla]

Congrats Ricketts. Wish you all the best.

[Gamma]

i am intrigued by arena's comments.....

[Assasin]

why?

He is always a honest broker. A square but normally say what he believes.

[Farmah]

Congrats to Tall P and I think he will do very well at the Galaxy. He will likely be one of their marquee players considering his prowess in CFU and CONCACAF.

I was always amazed that the MLS never went calling for any of our top goalkeepers. I think Wild Boy lawrence could have done well in the MLS had he got the chance. Ricketts' performances in MLS may open the door for others such as Richard McCallum (Waterhouse), Dwayne Miller (HV), Shawn Sawyers (Portmore) and Dwayne Kerr (GC Foster).

Good Luck Tall P.

[Me]

Most of our Keepers do not have good enough technique to beat out an American Goalkeeper and take up an International roster spot. Ricketts world class shot making will cause folks to look past the weaker aspects of his game.

[Assasin]

also remmber Ryan Thompson of HV. He is at Tampa University and should graduate next year so let us see if he will make the combine next year.

[Assasin]

How many goalie the US can produce so?

Three in the EPL alone in Frediel, Guzman and Howard, You have one in the championship, Keller and at least two good ones in the MLS. All world class. Most teams can't even find one.

[Hortical]

True, that is the reason most of our keepers do not make it internationally. Better coaching at the youth level is needed.

[Gamma]

because in the past the goalie was the man who was not good enough to play out in the field....

innah merrykah dem run to play goalie because it combines mlb and nfl talents...catching.... nba too to come to think of it. it was the easiest fit....escape to victory...sly stallone...art imitating life...nuff said.

[myYout]

Dat soun right yes. Dem have nuff more great goalkeepers dan ballahs by far, suh a true dat hundred percent. Dem not eben hab nuh great ballah anyway, a suh di ting set fi real

[myYout]

Big up Tall P, come a long way, an jus NOW a guh show some bwoy seh keepah toppa top class.

[Zeppo]

A couple of Ricketts threads over at BigSoccer:


A Jamaican Keeper For Galaxy...

Donovan Ricketts close to reaching Pando/Beckhamania Status?

[Jangle]

Even though I don't rate him, I am glad for him. Go do your thing.