The Chicago Fire continue to have the best defensive record in MLS. After recording his league-leading seventh shutout in Sunday's scoreless draw against the Kansas City Wizards, Fire goalkeeper Jon Busch is taking the lead at being a quiet leader.
"Our back five has been solid all year long," said Fire head coach Denis Hamlett.
The question asked was about the back four. Busch questioned whether Hamlett included midfielder Logan Pause in that number.
It was yet another example of a goalkeeper giving credit to his teammates. But Busch seems most reluctant to give himself a little of what's due.
"The bottom line is that my job is to save shots and catch crosses," Busch said. "Some days I have a lot to do, some days I don't. I just do my job."
Perhaps the most dangerous shot he saw all night was a bit of a combination of a cross and a shot.
"It was just a near post corner kick, it was a very good play," Busch said. "I think it was Conrad on the side bar. He actually put it backwards and he couldn't catch up to the ball. It was their best chance, especially early."
Busch was initially disappointed at not making the MLS All-Stars.
"At the end of the day, it didn't happen and we move on," he said. "To me the All-Star team is the team in November that's lifting the trophy."
At the other end of the park, the Fire were being equally frustrated by Wizards goalkeeper Kevin Hartman, who was credited with five saves while also recording his seventh shutout.
"We had some chances -- we just couldn't get one," said midfielder Justin Mapp.
After weathering a storm of Kansas City pressure to start the second half, Patrick Nyarko and Stephen King came on for Tomasz Frankowski and Chris Rolfe. Nyarko nearly beat Hartman with a quick snap-shot.
"I thought that once our reserves came in we gained a little momentum and created some good looks," Hamlett said.
But the most important thing was making sure nothing was given up at the defensive end.
"The game was starting to get very tight because they were playing for points," said Hamlett.
That happened, mainly because of an outstanding eight saves from Busch. But apparently, the only bravado you'll see from Busch is lifting the MLS Cup trophy if the Fire win a second championship.
"I just did my job," Busch said.
Thomas Foote is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
