Joe Cannon, American soccer player and sportscaster

Joseph Cannon, born on January 1, 1975, is a distinguished American former professional soccer player. Renowned for his exceptional abilities as a goalkeeper, Cannon established himself as one of Major League Soccer's most reliable and decorated figures over a career spanning more than a decade and a half.

A Storied MLS Career and Unmatched Consistency

Cannon dedicated the vast majority of his impressive 16 professional seasons to Major League Soccer (MLS), where he became synonymous with goalkeeping excellence. His tenure in the league saw him represent multiple prominent clubs, including significant stints with the San Jose Earthquakes, Colorado Rapids, LA Galaxy, and Vancouver Whitecaps FC, contributing to the growth and competitive landscape of American soccer's top flight.

A testament to his enduring impact and defensive prowess, Joseph Cannon holds the remarkable distinction of ranking third in MLS history for career shutouts. With an impressive tally of 86 clean sheets, Cannon solidified his legacy among the league's all-time elite custodians. A shutout in soccer occurs when a goalkeeper, or the entire defensive unit, prevents the opposing team from scoring any goals during the entire match, signifying exceptional defensive organization and individual performance. Only two other legendary goalkeepers, Nick Rimando (with 154 shutouts) and Kevin Hartman (with 112 shutouts), stand ahead of Cannon in this prestigious statistical category, underscoring his sustained high level of play throughout his extensive career.

Multiple Accolades and Consistent Recognition

Cannon's individual brilliance was frequently acknowledged through prestigious awards. He was twice honored with the coveted MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Award, first in 2002 and again in 2004. This award recognizes the league's most outstanding goalkeeper for their performance throughout the regular season, reflecting their skill, leadership, and impact on their team's defensive record. His multiple wins place him among a select group of goalkeepers who have received this accolade more than once, showcasing his consistent top-tier performance.

Beyond his two victories, Cannon's consistency and high performance levels were further highlighted by his three runner-up finishes for the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Award. He narrowly missed claiming the top honor in 2000, 2001, and 2005, a remarkable feat that underscores his sustained excellence and presence at the pinnacle of MLS goalkeeping for over half a decade. This consistent recognition as one of the league's premier shot-stoppers firmly cements his place among the MLS goalkeeping pantheon.

Representing the United States on the International Stage

Joseph Cannon also had the distinct honor of representing his country at the senior international level. He earned two caps for the United States men's national soccer team (USMNT) in friendly matches. In soccer, a "cap" signifies an appearance in an official international match for one's national team. These specific appearances occurred in January 2003, when he featured in non-competitive international friendlies, contributing to the national team's preparations and squad development.

Frequently Asked Questions About Joseph Cannon

When was Joseph Cannon born?
Joseph Cannon was born on January 1, 1975.
What position did Joseph Cannon play?
Joseph Cannon played as a goalkeeper throughout his professional soccer career.
How many seasons did Joseph Cannon play in Major League Soccer (MLS)?
Joseph Cannon spent the majority of his 16 professional seasons playing in Major League Soccer.
What is Joseph Cannon's ranking in MLS career shutouts?
Joseph Cannon ranks third in MLS history with 86 career shutouts. He is behind only Nick Rimando and Kevin Hartman.
How many times did Joseph Cannon win the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Award?
Joseph Cannon won the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Award twice, in 2002 and 2004.
Did Joseph Cannon play for the United States national team?
Yes, Joseph Cannon earned two caps (international appearances) for the United States men's national soccer team (USMNT) in friendly matches during his career.