Full name Joseph Willis Name Joe Willis Parents John Willis, Ann Willis 2006–2010 Denver Pioneers Salary 44,100 USD (2012) | Number 31 Height 1.96 m Playing position Role Soccer Player Siblings John Willis | |
Date of birth (1988-08-10) August 10, 1988 (age 27) Place of birth St. Louis, Missouri, United States Current team Houston Dynamo (Goalkeeper) Similar People Ben Olsen, Tom Soehn, Piotr Nowak, Thomas Rongen, Bruce Arena | ||
Joseph "Joe" Willis (born August 10, 1988) is an American soccer player currently playing for Houston Dynamo in Major League Soccer.
Contents
Youth
Willis played highschool soccer for Chaminade College Preparatory in St. Louis. Willis played soccer for University of Denver from 2006 to 2010, starting from 2008 to 2010. He was named the team's Most Valuable Player in 2008, and was named All-MPSF from 2008 to 2010. While at University of Denver, he also played for the USL Premier Development League Real Colorado Foxes.
Professional
Willis was selected by D.C. United with the 50th pick in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft. He signed a contract with the team on March 16, 2011. He made his professional debut at RFK Stadium August 13, 2011 and recorded his first clean sheet in a 4-0 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps, a performance that earned him Man of the Match honors. On November 8, 2012, Willis came on as a substitute in a MLS Playoff match against New York Red Bulls after first choice goalkeeper Bill Hamid had received a red card. He denied Kenny Cooper from the spot on the striker's second attempt (the first penalty kick that was successfully converted by Cooper was ordered to be retaken due to an infringement on the part of Cooper's teammates) and managed to keep a clean sheet to help his team to a decisive 1:0 win, which allowed it to progress to the next round.
On December 8, 2014, Willis was traded to Houston Dynamo along with Samuel Inkoom, in exchange for Andrew Driver and a fourth-round pick in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft. On December 19, 2014 he signed a contract with the team.