Joe Willis

Willis played high school soccer for Chaminade College Preparatory in St. Louis. Willis played soccer for University of Denver from 2006 to 2010, serving as the starter from 2008 to 2010. He was named the team's Most Valuable Player in 2008, and was named All-MPSF from 2008 to 2010. While at Denver, he also played for the USL Premier Development League Real Colorado Foxes.

D.C. United

Willis was selected by D.C. United with the 50th pick in the third round of the 2011 MLS SuperDraft, and he signed a contract with the team on March 16, 2011. Willis served as the backup goalie with Bill Hamid being the first choice goalie. He made his MLS debut on August 13, 2011, recording a clean sheet in a 4–0 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Willis made only 3 appearances in his first season. For 2012, Willis became first choice goalkeeper while Bill Hamid was with the US U23 team for Olympic qualifying. However Hamid retook the starting job on May 5, 2012, after Willis had made 9 starts. On November 8, 2012, Willis came on as a substitute in a MLS Playoff match against New York Red Bulls after Hamid received a red card. He denied Kenny Cooper from the spot on the striker's second attempt (the first penalty kick that was successfully converted by Cooper was retaken due to an infringement by Cooper's teammates) and managed to keep a clean sheet to help D.C. United get a 1–0 win, advancing them to the next Eastern Conference Finals. With Hamid suspended, Willis started the next match. However, this time he couldn't replicate his heroics as D.C. United fell to the Houston Dynamo 3–1. Hamid returned for the second leg, but D.C. United drew 1–1 and was eliminated. Willis remained the second choice goalie for 2013, only getting an extended run of games while Bill Hamid was with the United States national team for the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Willis…

As of match played October 6, 2025