By Special to the Town Crier

Joe Cannon of Los Altos Hills last week was named Major League Soccer’s Goalkeeper of the Year.

The San Jose Earthquakes goalie claimed the honor after putting together another stellar season that included a league-leading eight shutouts in 26 games.

A finalist for the award last season, Cannon helped the Earthquakes to the second-best record in the MLS and a second-consecutive playoff appearance.

The St. Francis High product and his league-leading 13 victories led last year’s MLS champs to the top of the league standings for 22 straight weeks during the 2002 season. Cannon turned in the league’s second highest-goals-against average (1.10), nearly equaling his career best of 1.09, set last season.

Cannon, a four-year MLS veteran, posted 100 saves on the campaign, securing his second consecutive all-star selection along the way.

The 27-year-old put together seven wins in 10 games through June and July, including six clean sheets among those victories.

The MLS Goalkeeper of the Year is awarded to the player judged to be the best all-around goalkeeper during the regular season. Other finalists for the honor included Tim Howard of the MetroStars and Nick Rimando of D.C. United. Cannon was selected the winner in voting done by MLS coaches, general managers, players and members of the Professional Soccer Reporters Association.