BEAVERTON -- Donovan Ricketts could be on his way to setting a personal record.

The Timbers goalkeeper is a nominee 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 April 27. Should Ricketts win, it would be his fourth such honor this season.

The multiple selections are a result of Ricketts' strong game performances during the Timbers' surprising start this season, which continues Thursday as Portland hosts New England. The veteran goalkeeper is playing his best soccer since winning Goalkeeper of the Year while with the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2010.

"He's in form right now," Portland coach Caleb Porter said. "He's confident."

Ricketts' diving block of Collin's shot in stoppage time wasn't his only game-saving stop against Kansas City. He handled a knuckleball-like shot from distance by Mechack Jerome two minutes later that preserved the win.

"He makes us look better and saves us a lot when we're letting teams get in on us at the end of the game," outside defender Michael Harrington said. "You've got to have that sometimes."

Porter said Ricketts' end-of-game saves are what he expects from a top-class goalkeeper.

"He's come up big in every game," Porter said. "Good goalkeepers are ready for the one or two saves he has to make, and he's made those in games. That's what you want out of your goalkeeper."

Ricketts said one reason for his improved performance is he is happier and more content playing in Portland.

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

The 35-year-old said his body is healthy after a pain-filled 2012. He is now practicing yoga, which helps keep him fit.

"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."

Life wasn't so good when Ricketts was playing in Montreal early in the 2012 regular season. Ricketts clashed with then Montreal coach Jesse Marsch before the Impact traded the five-year MLS veteran to Portland in August.

"Me and Jesse, we just didn't see eye to eye," Ricketts said. "That's all I'm willing to say."

The controversial trade sent popular goalkeeper Troy Perkins to Montreal and was the first personnel move engineered by Porter. Ricketts, who came to MLS after signing a contract with the Galaxy in 2009, viewed the trade as a pardon from a miserable existence in Montreal.

"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."

The best repayment would be for Ricketts to help the Timbers reach the MLS playoffs for the first time. Ricketts, who was part of the Galaxy's MLS Cup championship-winning squad in 2011, says the Timbers possess the ingredients to contend for the title.

"My first year with the Galaxy, we started something like this. We didn't lose games, we tied a lot of games," Ricketts said. "Once we got it going, we went straight to the finals. I think we have the potential to do that."

-- Geoffrey C. Arnold