Reggae Boyz shot stopper Donovan Ricketts is enjoying a fresh leash on life after a string of solid performances for Major League Soccer (MLS) club Portland Timbers has earned league-wide rave reviews.

In fact, the Jamaican custodian could be in line for a fourth straight Major League Soccer Save of the Week, an award, which could be his fourth of the season. Ricketts recent success stands out in stark contrast to a miserable season last year, where he made 24 appearances with the Montreal Impact, but never looked anywhere near his best. Ricketts the 2010 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, was eventually traded to the Timbers with veteran custodian Troy Perkins going the other way. The trade came after a clash with then Montreal coach Jesse Marsch. According to the player the new environment made all the difference.

"I think I'm in a good environment and when I'm in a good environment, I express myself. I'm just expressing myself right now," Ricketts told USA publication Oregon Live (http://www.oregonlive.com).

"It's a good squad, good group of guys and the coaching staff is good. When you're happy, you play well."

"Once I heard there was a chance for a fresh start, I jumped," Ricketts said. "It's a good feeling to know that you're a part of the vision he had. Ultimately, you work your hardest and try to repay the man."

better health

However, the 35-year-old stopper believes the marked improvement in form is also due to better health and the introduction of yoga exercises to his training regime.

"I had a lot of issues with my hip and the pain made my movement kind of difficult. (When I) kicked, I felt pain," Ricketts said.

"The yoga has helped with the stretching and my movement."

The Timbers goalkeeper was nominated for Major League Soccer's Save of the Week after stopping a header from Kansas City's Aurelein Collin during Portland's 3-2 win last the weekend. Ricketts is expected to play a key role for Jamaica's Reggae Boyz in their bid for a spot at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. The team is currently at the bottom of the six-team CONCACAF qualification group after their first three matches.