Joe Cannon is home again. The former St. Francis High and Santa Clara University soccer star has signed on with the San Jose Clash of Major League Soccer.
Cannon, starting goalkeeper for the San Diego Flash of the A-League last season, inked a one-year deal with the Clash Jan. 26. Cannon said San Jose's offer, which includes a three-year option, took him by surprise.
"It happened really quick," he said. "I got a call from coach (Brian) Quinn on Monday and he said, 'I want to sign you.' I signed the next day."
Quinn, who happens to live in San Diego, got to know the 24-year-old Cannon during his brief stint with the Clash last season.
Quinn last November called up Cannon for the Clash's exhibition game against Mexican League power Toluca, using him for the final 29 minutes. Cannon also trained with the Clash last summer, serving as backup to starting goalie David Kramer for two games while Andy Kirk was playing with the U.S. Under-23 national team.
"We've followed Joe's progress in the A-League, and we liked what we saw of him while he was with us last year," Quinn said in a press release. "He's got great size, and he's a tremendous presence in the box. We think he's ready for Major League Soccer, and we think he can compete for a starting position."
The Los Altos Hills native appears to have at least locked up the No. 2 job. A day after signing Cannon, the Clash traded Kirk to the Tampa Bay Mutiny.
"I'm excited about the opportunity," said Cannon, a 1993 St. Francis graduate. "I'm looking forward to working with the players and coaches."
Cannon made quite a splash with the Flash last season. He was named most valuable player on a team that won the A-League (Division II) Western Conference title. Cannon, an All-American at Santa Clara, posted a 21-7 record with the Flash and allowed less than a goal (0.80) per game. He also finished with 11 shutouts, second-most in the league.
"Playing in San Diego really helped me," Cannon said. "I gained a lot of valuable experience."
Cannon started putting that experience to use last week when the Clash opened training camp. The team will practice at the Morgan Hill Soccer Complex through Thursday and then travel to San Diego to train and scrimmage against other MLS squads for 10 days. On Feb. 20, the Clash heads to Mexico for two weeks of training and exhibitions against Mexican League teams.
The Clash will start its fourth season March 20 against the reigning MLS champion Chicago Fire at San Jose's Spartan Stadium. Kick-off is set for 8 p.m.