Ricketts is MLS goalkeeper of the year

NEW YORK, Nov. 3 (UPI) -- Los Angeles goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts, who set a team record in goals against average this season, was selected the MLS goalkeeper of the year.

Ricketts won the award over other finalists Kevin Hartman of FC Dallas and Nick Rimando of Real Salt Lake, the league said Wednesday.

Ricketts, 33, from Jamaica, had a league-best record of 18-7-4, which included 11 shutouts. He gave up 26 goals in 29 games, resulting in a goals-against average of 0.90, which is a Galaxy franchise record.

He made eight saves in a 1-0 Los Angeles win over Seattle in the first leg of their Western Conference semifinal playoff series.

"This is a tremendous honor to be named the goalkeeper of the gear in a league with so many outstanding goalkeepers," Ricketts said. "I am grateful to have won this award and I would like to thank everyone who voted for me.

"I would also like to thank all of my coaches and teammates, specifically my goalkeeper coach, Ian Feuer, and my fellow goalkeeper Josh Saunders for pushing me as hard as they do in training everyday and helping me to become a better goalkeeper."

He also helped the Galaxy to a 1-0 win over Seattle Sounders FC in the first leg of their Western Conference semifinal series, making a season-high eight saves in the match.