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MLS LA Galaxy

Galaxy acquire two-time MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Joe Cannon from Colorado

December 1, 2006 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
LA Galaxy News Release


CARSON, CA (Friday, December 01, 2006) - The Los Angeles Galaxy have acquired two-time MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, Joe Cannon, from the Colorado Rapids, the club announced today. The Galaxy traded forward Herculez Gomez and defender Ugo Ihemelu and swapped natural second round draft picks for the 2007 MLS SuperDraft, sending the 18th overall pick to the Rapids and receiving the 23rd overall pick.

"We are looking to add talented and proven players to our roster," said L.A. Galaxy President and General Manager Alexi Lalas. "With this move we now have three world-class goalkeepers in the Galaxy organization."

In eight MLS seasons, Cannon played with both the San Jose Earthquakes (1999-2002) and Colorado Rapids (2003-2006). At 6-2 and 195-pounds, Cannon is an imposing presence in the goal and regarded as one of the best MLS 'keepers, which led to his selection as MLS Goalkeeper of the Year in 2002 and 2004. He captured his first MLS Cup Championship with the Earthquakes in 2001 and was named to the 2004 MLS Best XI for the first time in his career.

"I am overwhelmed and very excited to play for one of the best franchises, maybe the best franchise in the league," said Cannon. "It is an incredible opportunity and I just hope that the fans will give me a chance to prove myself. I don't think that I have won too many games in Los Angeles as a visitor, so I am really looking forward to playing for the home team."

A two-time MLS All-Star (2001-02), Cannon has appeared in 187 MLS regular season games with a goals-against-average (GAA) 1.26 and registered a 75-71-38 regular season record. In the MLS Cup Playoffs, he boasts an impressive overall 1.04 GAA with 58 saves in 15 games and a 6-6-3 record.

"I am also excited on a personal level because I'm from California and have a bunch of family that live in Southern California, but I will miss my second family in Colorado," added Cannon.

In 2006, Cannon came back from an early season injury to record seven shutouts. He appeared in 28 games and accumulated 2,440 total minutes of play with a 1.55 GAA and 99 saves.

"We'd also like to acknowledge the incredible contributions that Ugo and Herculez have made to the Galaxy, on and off the field," added Lalas. "We thank them and wish them well in Colorado."

A native of Las Vegas, NV, Gomez spent three MLS seasons (2002, 2005-06) with the Galaxy playing in 53 games, scoring 16 goals and adding five assists. In 2006, Gomez appeared in 30 games, making 19 starts with five goals and three assists. He finished the 2005 regular season with 11 goals in 22 games (16 starts), second-best on the club to the 12 of Landon Donovan.

A 6-0, 178-pound defender, Ihemelu completed his second MLS season with the Galaxy, appearing in 54 games and playing 4,641 minutes with one assist. In 2006, he appeared in 29 games, all starts with 2,610 minutes played. In a breakout rookie season in 2005, Ihemelu asserted himself as a presence to be reckoned with in the Galaxy's back line, playing in 25 games and logging 2,031 minutes.

The L.A. Galaxy are now accepting deposits for the 2007 season. A non-refundable deposit of just $100 per seat secures your place for all of the Galaxy's 2007 regular season games, plus great benefits including exclusive events with the team, special season seat holder gifts, and much more! Call 1-877-3GALAXY or visit www.lagalaxy.com .

TRANSACTION: Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS) acquire GK Joe Cannon and the Rapids' 23rd overall pick for the 2007 MLS SuperDraft from the Colorado Rapids, in exchange for F Herculez Gomez, D Ugo Ihemelu and the Galaxy's 18th overall pick for the 2007 MLS SuperDraft.

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