Washington, D.C. – D.C. United announced today that the club has signed goalkeeper Joe Willis. The 22-year-old joined United after being selected 50th overall in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft from the University of Denver.
“We are pleased that Joe is officially part of our club,” said General Manager Dave Kasper. “He has all the tools to be a successful goalkeeper in our League, and we are excited about his future.”
At 6’5” and 190 pounds, Willis is known for his size and ability in goal. The St. Louis native was a three-time First Team All-Conference netminder in 2008, 2009, and 2010 in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation.
Most 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.
As a junior in 2009, Willis led the Pioneers by playing in 19 matches and recording four shutouts. He was named MPSF Player of the Week for the week of September 28, as well as being named to the Big West Challenge All-Tournament Team.
Name: Joe Willis
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 190
Jersey: 31
Date of Birth: August 10, 1988
Age: 22
Place of Birth: St. Louis, Missouri
Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
Citizenship: United States
Last Club: University of Denver
Acquired: Signed on March 16, 2011
