Backup keeper to start on Sunday vs. Galaxy
Joe Willis’ adjustment when he takes over for Bill Hamid in front of the D.C. United goal on Sunday won’t be a major one. It’s where he spent most of the preseason due to Hamid’s obligations with the U.S. national team.
But his first test of the year and fourth career start won’t be an easy one, coming on the road against the reigning MLS Cup champion Los Angeles Galaxy.
“There’s definitely some responsibility on my shoulders now, and I’m excited about it and ready,” Willis said. “I’ve gotten a lot more comfortable with the guys in front of me, and I think it’s been a great preparation for what’s going to happen the next two weeks.”
It came as a surprise when Willis ascended into the starting spot as a rookie last August when Hamid was called into the U.S. camp, achieving a five-save shutout debut in a 4-0 win over Vancouver. With Hamid playing for the under-23 team earlier this month, Willis saved a penalty kick en route to a 1-0 preseason win over Chicago.
“I think he’s a quietly confident kid,” United assistant and goalkeeping coach Pat Onstad said. “He was confident he could do well. More importantly, the team trusts him. When you have a couple games as a goalkeeper and the team believes in you, when you have a team fighting hard in front of you because they believe in you, it certainly helps the cause.”
At 6-foot-5 and 189 pounds, Willis is more similar in net to Onstad than the 6-3, 225-pound Hamid.
“Bill’s obviously a fantastic athlete,” Onstad said. “He’s more athletic than probably anyone in the league. At the same token, for Joe, you’re comparing apples to oranges. They’re two different styles of athletes and goalkeepers. Joe tries to read the game and play off the game, whereas Bill kind of reacts with his athleticism.”
Willis also reveals less emotionally during games, but there’s no mistaking the determination and poise that has replaced the humble demeanor of his rookie season.
“It’s always been a goal of mine since I entered the league to eventually be a starting goalkeeper,” Willis said. “The aspirations are still there. I want to start in this league, and I’m going to do whatever I can to make that happen.”
