Cannon Set To Make MLS Return With Colorado

Cannon Set To Make MLS Return With Colorado

Aug. 19, 2003

DENVER, Colo. - The Colorado Rapids announced today the acquisition of former Santa Clara University star and 2002 Major League Soccer Goalkeeper of the Year Joe Cannon in a trade with the San Jose Earthquakes that will send a first round pick in 2004 as well as third and fourth round picks in 2005 to the Bay Area team.

Cannon, highly regarded as one of the best goalkeeper products in the United States, continued his meteoric rise to the top echelon of American goalkeepers in 2002, as he was named the 2002 MLS Aquafina Goalkeeper of the Year. He led the league in wins and shutouts while owning the second-best goals against average (GAA). The 6-2 'keeper took part in his second-straight MLS All-Star game in 2002, and set the club record for shutouts in a single season with eight.

The 28 year-old athlete began his MLS career back in 1999, the same year that he saw action in 24 games, posting a 1.33 Goals Against Average that included a clean sheet in the final 325 minutes of the season.

In 2000 he continued his progress toward becoming one of the League's elite by posting a 1.49 GAA in 26 appearances, ranking fourth in the League.

Cannon excelled in 2001 when he led the Earthquakes to the team's only MLS Championship, ranking first in GAA (1.09) in the league. He was named to that year's All Star Team after tying the Earthquakes' record for most shutouts in one season (seven).

The Sun Valley, Idaho native was signed by French first division club RC Lens in January and spent six months with the squad.

Cannon, who was called to the United States National Team camp in January 2003, made his first appearance with the Red, White and Blue against New Zealand on June 8th at Spartan Stadium, coming in as a sub in the second half. He was part of the 23-man roster that traveled to France to compete in the 2003 Confederations Cup in June.