Collegiate Corner: Tosaint Ricketts

Canadian U-20 member Tosaint Ricketts is perhaps best known for his historic hat trick against the USA last summer. The goals were scored on June 6 in Kingston, Ontario during an exhibition leading up to the 2007 Under-20 World Cup.

He became only the sixth Canadian youth player to record a hat trick with the last being Niall Thompson in 1991. The feat becomes even more impressive when you consider that Tony Beltran (Real Salt Lake), Julian Valentin (LA Galaxy), and Amaechi Igwe (New England Revolution) were among those defending for the USA.

In his U-20 debut, Ricketts notched two goals against Scotland. During the Under-20 World Cup, he played in all three of Canada’s games. Prior to last summer’s youth tournament, the Edmonton native gained notoriety from his collegiate play; with this new exposure came the invite to the U-20 Canadian men’s team.

In the USA, Ricketts competes for the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay Phoenix. During his sophomore and junior seasons, the Phoenix played consistently throughout the year only to end with a loss in the Horizon League Championship.

Tosaint Ricketts was named to the 2007 NSCAA All-Great Lakes Region Second Team. He finished 2007 with six goals and an assist in 22 games played. In 2006, he had eight goals and an assist.

Ricketts spoke with Soccer City FC about the 2007 collegiate season with the UW-Green Bay Phoenix and his U-20 World Cup experience.

- As you reflect upon 2007, what have you taken away from the collegiate season?

Tosaint Ricketts: When I think back to our fall season I think of how much I matured as a player and a leader of the team. Every year you can see the changes in attitude and the way you handle situations. Not to mention the relationships between your teammates and how that has gotten way better.

Photo Credits: University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Athletics

- Can you point out your favorite goal from the 2007 Phoenix season?

TR: My favorite goal of the season and most important would be my game winning goal against the University of Loyola in the semis to go to the finals.

- Would anything short of a Horizon League Championship be unacceptable in 2008?

TR: Next year it’s in everyone’s mind that we have to win the Horizon League and the Horizon League tournament. We have been just short of it the last two years and we are going to do everything possible to achieve this goal.

- What is the atmosphere like at Santaga Stadium during a game?

TR: Well depending on the game, the atmosphere is ok; it could be a lot better, and we all know it, because our record attendance game against Ohio State was amazing for Santaga Stadium. I feel it should be at least close to that every game. But overall the atmosphere was decent.

- In your U-20 debut versus Scotland, you scored two goals. You also scored a hat-trick against the United States in another international exhibition leading up to the U-20 World Cup. What did you take away from the experiences?

TR: I took from the experience that everybody gets their chance, and when you get in you just have to make the best of it. For example in the game against Scotland I came in the game in the 68th minute and scored 2 goals. Just go to work hard and the chances will come.

- You played against Chile, Austria, and Congo in the U-20 World Cup. What team’s defenders impressed you the most?

TR: Overall skill and tactics, Chile’s was the best and it showed with the 3-0 win they had over us. But at that level every team’s defense was top notch and hard to penetrate.

- How satisfying was it to compete for your country in your hometown of Edmonton?

TR: Well many would say it a great advantage, but it’s also a lot of pressure for the players. But really nothing is better then playing the biggest game of your life in front of your hometown, family and friends.

- As a player, what has been your impression of the Canadian Soccer Association?

TR: My impression of CSA is that it’s on the rise heading the right direction; it will only get better as the popularity grows in Canada. And I’m just happy that its happening now and that I’m a part of it.

[Please Note]

This interview first seen at GoTorontoFC and can be found here.