SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that the club has hired former goalkeeper Joe Cannon as the new head coach of the team’s PDL affiliate Burlingame Dragons FC. Cannon previously held a role on the Dragons’ advisory board.
“I’m excited. I think it’s a massive opportunity for me to be a part of the Earthquakes’ technical side,” said Cannon. “I think it’s also a great chance to work with some of the best players in the Bay Area at that age. My main objective is to help the Earthquakes discover potential talent and to represent the club the best way that I can.”
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A two-time MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, Cannon helped lead the Quakes to their first MLS Cup in 2001. The Sun Valley, Idaho native holds the Quakes record for most games played in goal with 171 appearances and is fourth in all-time games played for the club. Cannon also ranks first in saves (693), tied for first in saves in one season (137) and third in minutes played (15,561). During his time as a Quakes player, Cannon was twice selected to the MLS All-Star team (2001, 2002) and was also named the Earthquakes’ Defensive Player of the Year and Humanitarian of the Year in 2000.
“Joe has meant a lot to this organization throughout the years and we’re all excited that he’ll be coaching promising Homegrown talents with our partner club, Burlingame Dragons,” said Earthquakes general manager Jesse Fioranelli.
Founded in 2014, Burlingame Dragons FC is part of the Premier Development League (PDL), an under-23 summer league sponsored by the United Soccer League (USL). The club is an official affiliate of the Earthquakes, which oversees the Dragons’ technical operations, including staff hiring and player scouting and recruitment.
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“Joe had a tremendous playing career here in San Jose and knows what it takes to play at the professional level,” said technical director Chris Leitch. “His experience will have a strong impact for us when it comes to player scouting and development, especially with regards to future Homegrown prospects.”
Dragons FC helps provide a stepping-stone for its players to reach the professional level. The club primarily features players from top local universities and former members of the Quakes Academy. Current Earthquakes right back Nick Lima spent two seasons with the Dragons in 2015 and 2016 prior to signing with San Jose as a Homegrown Player this year.
Cannon will be inducted into the Earthquakes Hall of Fame at halftime of Saturday’s match against Seattle Sounders FC. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:15 p.m.
Cannon will also continue his duties as a color analyst for KNBR 1050’s broadcast of all Earthquakes home matches.
About Burlingame Dragons FC
Burlingame Dragons FC is the 2015 Southwest Division Champion of the Premier Development League (PDL). Comprised of U-23 players from NCAA Division I, II and NAIA programs, the club strives to be a direct link between its players and professional soccer. Burlingame Dragons FC is an official PDL affiliate of Major League Soccer’s San Jose Earthquakes, which oversee the management of Dragons FC personnel, including coaches, trainers and players.
