LOS ANGELES, California (CMC) — Donovan Ricketts has been rewarded for a memorable season with the Los Angeles Galaxy, with Major League Soccer’s Goalkeeper-of-the-Year award.

The Jamaica international became the first goalkeeper from outside of the United States and Canada to win the award.

“It’s a good feeling,” said Ricketts. “Being a goalkeeper in this league, it’s very hard. There are many good goalkeepers, so to be named Goalkeeper-of-the-Year is really an honour.”

Ricketts earned the award, after presiding over 11 shutouts that helped the Galaxy to the MLS’ best regular-season record.

“It’s been a tremendous team effort,” said Ricketts. “At the beginning of the season, we were rock solid. We fell away a little, but we picked it up.

“I’ve had my bad days, and the team has helped me out a lot. Each game is different, and a different player steps up to the plate. Sometimes it’s me, sometimes it’s Omar [Gonzalez], sometimes it’s Gregg [Berhalter], or whoever, but I think it’s been a wonderful team effort.”

Ricketts, whose team-mates include England legend David Beckham and American icon Landon Donovan, still has one burning desire.

“Maybe [the award is] No 1, because it’s the first time I’ve been named Goalkeeper-of-the-Year in anything,” said Ricketts. “One out of one, it’s No 1 for the time being, but it will soon be replaced by the

MLS Cup.”

Ricketts and the Galaxy will host the Seattle Sounders on Sunday at the Home Depot Centre in the second leg of the Western Conference semi-finals.