Practically no goalkeeper had had a longer tenure in MLS than Kevin Hartman with the Los Angeles Galaxy. Unlike the sometimes-sullen Zach Thornton, who also had a long stint with Chicago, Kevin was outgoing and congenial with fans - justifiably a Galaxy favorite for years. It was never going to be easy for Joe Cannon to take over in such a situation, but to do so in this difficult season has only compounded the adjustment. Joe has been brilliant at times, has had some plays in which he could have done better, yet has been let down by his defense more often than not, or has been let down by his team's lack of offense going forward. It's been a tough year for someone who really wanted to make a good impression with his new club and its fans. That made the SuperLiga title especially important to Joe.
"I don’t know how to put it more plainly than to say that I’m devastated. To bring a trophy to this organization - losing this chance will be something that I’ll remember the rest of my life."
"I thought it was over. I thought – he’s automatic. This guy has taken some of the biggest PKs in this country’s history and he’s made them. I’m not going to say I wasn’t confident – I think any Galaxy fan in the crowd was thinking – what better script would you want to write? If you would have picked anyone, before SuperLiga starts, you’d have Landon Donovan take a PK. He’s an incredible player still. He feels very badly about it."
"When I was 16, in the regional semifinals, we played a team and we pretty much kicked their asses. I was playing well, it was a 0-0 game and then we lost in overtime. I was pretty devastated in that one, but professionally, this is the hardest."
Joe also admitted that he'd like to one day join the San Jose Earthquakes again - but not for a while. Despite his obvious disappointment with the conclusion of the SuperLiga, he made it clear that he'd like to stay and win other titles with the Galaxy before he moves on.
11 comments:
Ooh, Joe. You had me up until that last paragraph. Saying you'd like to once again play for the San Jose Earthquakes - while you're still trying to win over the hearts of the Galaxy fans? Not a smooth move.
Even Landon, who's had some major faux pas in the press, wouldn't say something like that.
Landon has family in Southern Cal. Joe has family up north. It makes sense both would want to play near them eventually.
Heh, see you soon Joe. :)
AC - you can't defend him. Saying he's already considered "moving on?"
To San Jose???? Of all teams. . .
We gave up Gato, Herc and Ugo for this guy. He's going to have some explaining to do.
I guess I cornered Joe a little on that one.
I asked him, "Joe, you've always spoken fondly of your time with San Jose. Now that they're back in the league, would you ever consider playing for the team again?"
Yes, of course it makes sense: Landon has family in Southern Cal and wanted to play there.
Joe has family in Northern Cal and wants to play there.
SJEarthquake fans condemn LD for his choice; I'm thinking Galaxy fans will do the same to Joe.
It's what makes us fans. We're nuts and irrational about our teams. :)
Hey Joe! Go fuck yourself all the way back to San Jose. Don't let the door hit your sorry ass on the way out.
Hey Joe! Go fuck yourself all the way back to San Jose. Don't let the door hit your sorry ass on the way out.
LD is not condemned by SJ fans because he wanted to be in LA...it was the way he got to LA via Germany.
Mulrooney wanted to go to Dallas to be closer to an ailing parent in Memphis...and he was warmly received when he returned to SJ in the Hoops' colors.
It's all about accountability...and LD's story was bogus.
If I'm an LA fan, which I am, I'd be kissing the ground Joe Cannon walks on. If you know ANYTHING about the game, or have watched any of them, you'll see that he is the ONLY reason we still have a chance.
How many times have we watched opposing strikes go unmarked in the 6 yard box?? He makes save after save to clean up poor defense.
The fact that he wants to be in San Jose, where he grew up, played high school, college, and broke onto the pro scene...that's just a pro athlete being honest. He loves the LA Galaxy...he wanted to be there, and he's proven to be a better GK than Hartman.
You may want to consider thanking Joe instead of bashing him for being candid.
Galaxy Fan
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