Former DU Goalie Records Shutout in MLS Debut
Former Pioneers goalkeeper Joe Willis recorded his first professional shutout as D.C. United defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps 4-0 at RFK Stadium on Aug. 13.
Willis, who was selected 50th overall in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft, graduated from the DU in the spring of 2010. During his tenure as the starting goalie for the Pioneers, Willis was named to the All-Mountain Pacific Sports Federation First Team three consecutive years from 2008 – 2010.
Earlier in the week, D.C. United’s starting goalie Bill Hamid received a red card, which automatically earned him a one-game suspension. Willis learned that he would see his first professional play on game day after he and fellow backup goalie Steve Cronin battled for the spot throughout the week. Ultimately, Willis won the job and was named starting goaltender.
After his performance, D.C. head coach Ben Olsen gave Willis the nod the following week as Sporting Kansas City played host to D.C. United on Aug. 21. Willis allowed only one goal on nine shots as D.C. came up short against Sporting Kansas City. Willis’ professional record stands at 1-1 with D.C. United. The team currently holds 5th place in the MLS Eastern Conference.
Corey Carlson Killed In Plane Crash
Former DU hockey player Corey Carlson and his family of four died after a midair collision near Trapper Creek, Ala., on Aug. 3.
Carlson, his wife Hetty, and their two children, Ella, 5, and Adelaide “Addie,” 3, all perished when two floatplanes collided around 2:15 p.m.
The other plane involved in the crash was a Cessna 206 headed by former Alaska Airlines captain Kevin Earp. Earp was able to land the heavily damaged plane at Stevens International Runway a few moments after the collision.
“The entire Pioneer hockey family is extremely saddened by the devastating news of the tragic loss of Corey and his family,” said head coach George Gwozdecky.
“He was a very personable and fun-loving young man who was well-liked by his teammates and staff. Although a back injury precluded Corey from playing his senior year at DU, he continued to be a part of the team while working as a student assistant coach on our staff. He was extremely proud of his years at DU, and following graduation, he continued to follow the hockey program closely. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Carlson and Barnett family.”
Carlson was one of the first Alaskan-born hockey players to play junior hockey when he left Alaska to play for the Vernon Lakers of the British Columbia Hockey League in 1989. After recording 87 points (23 goals and 64 assists) in 59 games, Carlson received a full scholarship to play hockey at the DU. During his four years at DU, Carlson totaled 26 goals and 42 assists.
