In 2003, Joe Cannon chose not to renew his contract with the Earthquakes. Instead, the reigning MLS Goalkeeper of the Year left his hometown club and decided to try his luck in Europe, signing with Racing Club de Lens in the French first division.
Despite his best efforts, however, Cannon was unable to break into the starting lineup and his stay abroad would ultimately last only half a year.
“That was very humbling,” Cannon admitted. “I was a bit older, 28, I think, at the time. They were looking for younger players… They were very clear with me that they were going to give the kid that was in their academy a shot at it.