Washington, D.C. - Former University of Denver goalkeeper Joe Willis (St. Louis, Mo.) signed a contract with D.C. United, the club announced. The 22-year-old joined United after being selected 50th overall in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft.

"We are pleased that Joe is officially part of our club," D.C. United general manager Dave Kasper said. "He has all the tools to be a successful goalkeeper in our League, and we are excited about his future."

At 6'5" and 190 pounds, Willis is known for his size and ability in goal. The St. Louis native was a three-time First Team All- Mountain Pacific Sports Federation netminder in 2008, 2009 and 2010.

Most recently, Willis started 12 matches for Denver in his senior season, recording four shutouts while helping the Pioneers claim the MPSF regular season championship and an NCAA Tournament berth in 2010. Facing 203 shots during that campaign, the imposing goalkeeper allowed only nine strikes for a goals against average mark of 0.72.

As a junior in 2009, Willis led the Pioneers by playing in 19 matches and recording four shutouts. He was named MPSF Player of the Week for the week of September 28, as well as being named to the Big West Challenge All-Tournament Team.