Washington, March 16, 2011—With two of its goalies working back from injury, D.C. United has signed goalkeeper Joe Willis. The 22-year-old joins the club after being selected 50th overall in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft from the University of Denver.
United’s two key keepers, Bill Hamid (shoulder) and Steve Cronin (wrist), are both recovering from injuries. United’s goalie coach, the 43-year-old Pat Onstad, who retired at the end of last season, looks set to start against the Columbus Crew at RFK Stadium on Saturday. Willis will be Onstad’s backup.
“We are pleased that Joe is officially part of our club,” said general manager Dave Kasper. “He provides a physical presence in goal and we are excited about his future.”
At 6 feet 5 inches and 190 pounds, the St. Louis native was a three-time First Team All-Conference netminder in 2008, 2009 and 2010 in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation.
Recently, Willis started 12 matches for Denver in his senior season, recording four shutouts in 2010. Facing 203 shots during that campaign, the imposing goalkeeper allowed only nine strikes for a goals against average mark of 0.72.
THE FACTS ON JOE WILLIS
Name: Joe Willis
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 6 feet 5 inches
Weight: 190
Jersey: 31
Date of Birth: August 10, 1988
Age: 22
Place of Birth: St. Louis, Missouri
Citizenship: United States
Last Club: University of Denver
Acquired: Signed on March 16, 2011
See other articles by John Haydon at Haydon’s Soccer and Sports Pitch.
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