All Joe Cannon wants is to remain with the Rapids. Coach Fernando Clavijo said Thursday that will probably happen.
After nearly being shipped last week to the Kansas City Wizards for midfielder Chris Klein and an additional player, the Rapids’ captain and two-time Major League Soccer goalkeeper of the year appears on the verge of agreeing to a new contract.
Clavijo and Cannon met late Thursday and both said they came away with a good feeling that a deal would be completed, ending months of uncertainty.
“Joe made it clear that he wants to stay, and we made it crystal clear that we want him here,” Clavijo said.
Cannon is in the final year of his contract. The Rapids wanted him to sign a multi-year deal to protect the team had he decided to move on at the end of the season.
Cannon stressed he does not want to leave the Rapids and said he believed a positive resolution was “fairly close.”
“Hopefully, something will get ironed out,” Cannon said.
With no new contract signed, the Rapids were close to dealing Cannon to the Wizards before last Friday’s draft, according to Clavijo. When asked if Cannon, 31, harbored any resentment toward the organization, he was forgiving.
“I think what is past is past,” Cannon said. “I think it’s beneficial to everyone to move on.”
Cannon’s agent, Ron Waxman, said he was “hopeful” a deal would be reached, possibly today.
Since the proposed trade to the Wizards stalled, the Rapids acquired their fourth goalie, Colorado native Matt Jordan, in a trade with the Columbus Crew. The Rapids kept only three goalies on their active roster for most of last season.
Klein, an eight-year veteran, was dealt to Real Salt Lake on Monday along with a youth international roster spot in exchange for part of an allocation pick.
Cannon began his MLS career with San Jose, where he led the Earthquakes to an MLS Cup championship in 2001. Cannon was traded to the Rapids in August 2003 after a stint in France.
In 2004, Cannon posted a career-best 1.07 goals-against average and recorded 10 shutouts. He was named goalkeeper of the year and was one of three finalists for the MLS MVP award.
Cannon allowed 32 goals in 27 regular-season games in 2005, with eight shutouts.
