#27- Scott Cannon
The late 90s and early 2000s can be a bit of a forgotten period in Kickers history, sandwiched around glory from the 1995 team and the strength of the sides from 2002 forward. This doesn’t mean that there weren’t standout performers in Richmond during that time though, and Scott Cannon was one of them. Cannon had two stints with the Kickers in central defense, being named 1st team all-league in 2000 as well as A-League Defender of the Year. His achievements lead him to come in at #27 on our list of the Greatest Kickers of All-Time.
Cannon was an All-American in high school, and replicated that achievement in college while playing for the University of Evansville. Graduating in 1990, his professional options in the States led him to the indoor game primarily, playing with three different teams while also turning out periodically for APSL outdoor teams. Upon the advent of MLS in 1996, he moved back into the outdoor game full-time. He joined Colorado for the 1996 season, appearing 21 times. After being released at the end of the season, he joined the Kickers for the 97 season. During his first tour of duty with the Kickers, he played in 23 games as a centerback, helping lead the team to the playoffs with a 15-0-2-11 record (don’t ask, standings were super weird back in those days).
After leaving to join Columbus in 1998, Cannon returned to the Kickers for the 2000 season. He was a stalwart in defense for a very successful side. The team as a whole only gave up 25 goals in 28 games that season, tied for the best in the entire league. That year also saw the Kickers defeat their first MLS opponent in Open Cup play, beating Cannon’s former Rapids teammates 3-0. For his exploits, Scott was named co-player of the year by his teammates, first team all A-League, and the A-League Defender of the Year. Cannon was the first Kicker in club history to receive such an individual honor, but certainly would not be the last.
Cannon departed after the 2000 season, briefly appearing with Charleston and Tampa in 2001 before opting to retire at the end of that season. He has been involved in coaching, primarily in New England, since his retirement, and is currently the Director of Soccer at the Rhode Island Surf Soccer Club.
