Los Angeles Galaxy Ins and Outs, June 3, 2011

Ricketts looking to bring glory to Reggae Boys

Los Angeles Galaxy goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts, who plays for the Jamaican national team, believes that the "Reggae Boys" are due for success at this year's CONCACAF Gold Cup.

“[Jamaicans are] just special people,” Ricketts told MLSSoccer.com's Luis Bueno. “We have a fighting spirit. Once we set our minds to something and we have the right focus, anything is possible.”

Jamaica takes on Grenada at the Home Depot Center on June 6, 2011 to open Group B play. They will then take on Guatemala at Miami's Florida International University Stadium on June 10 before concluding group play against Honduras at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey on June 13.

“Success for anyone would be winning the tournament and playing the best brand of football you can possibly play and seeing how far it takes you,” Ricketts said. “So hopefully we get to the final, if not semifinals.”

However, lifting the Gold Cup is not the Reggae Boys' ultimate goal, Ricketts argues.

“This tournament is for putting players together, seeing where the team is at and seeing if we can find some form of chemistry," Ricketts said. “Next year are the World Cup qualifiers. That’s our ultimate goal. We want to make this World Cup.”

Ricketts was the backup goalkeeper for Jamaica during their 1998 FIFA World Cup campaign.


Saunders, Arena salute the armed forces

Tonight, Josh Saunders will be wearing a special pair of gloves during the Galaxy's match with D.C. United at Victoria Street.

Saunders will wear a pair of camouflage gloves which feature yellow "Support Our Troops" ribbons and American flags, as part of Military Appreciation Night.

“It was something I felt was important, like I needed to do,” Saunders told LAGalaxy.com's Larry Morgan.

Before the match, the U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines and Navy will be recognized, and thirty Air Force recruits will take the Oath of Enrollment on the pitch. Camp Pendleton's 1st Marine Division Band will also deliver pregame entertainment, culminating with their rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner."

“I think it’s very special,” Saunders said of the occation. “In my family we’ve had a couple of generations of people serving in the military. It’s something that kind of goes unsaid because they’re protecting our freedom.

“Extra effort for this night and for our troops.”

Galaxy manager Bruce Arena supported the gesture the team was doing for the armed forces.

“All I can say is all Americans are indebted to our servicemen,” Arena said. “As I’ve traveled the world the last 20 years, the more you’re glad to come back to our country, the best country in the world. Part of the reason for that is because of our military servicemen and women and the devotion our military has to protecting our freedom.

“So we’re thrilled to be able to make that kind of small gesture on Friday for our service people.”