A player who arguably saw his best days in the Windy City is back.
The Chicago Fire have signed veteran goalkeeper Jon Busch, as announced on Tuesday. Per MLS and team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“It’s great to have Jon re-join the Fire,” Fire head coach and director of soccer Frank Yallop said in a team release. “I worked with him over the years in San Jose, so I know that he has a great work ethic. He’s had a fantastic career, so I'm pleased that we will be adding a quality goalkeeper.”
Busch returns to Chicago for his second stint with the Fire. Originally acquired in March 2007, Busch made 63 regular season appearances for the Men in Red. In 2008, Busch recorded a league-best save percentage of 78.2, saving 122 of 156 shots faced, and made a league-high 10 shutouts en route to a MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award and Best XI honors.
“I’m very excited to be back in Chicago,” said Busch. “It’s a place near and dear to my heart, and I’m excited to play in front of Section 8 again. Frank took me to San Jose, and I was thankful for that, and he’s the one bringing me back to Chicago, so I’m even more thankful. I know what kind of coach he is; he’s a players coach. I know what he wants out of his players, and I’m here to help him in any way I can, in the locker room and on the field.”
After a collegiate career at UNC Charlotte where he led the 49ers to their first ever College Cup appearance, Busch spent five years in the A-League with the Worcester Wildfire, Carolina Dynamo, Hampton Roads Mariners and the Hershey Wildcats from 1997 to 2001. In 2002, Busch was selected as the 23rd overall pick in the 2002 MLS SuperDraft by the Columbus Crew. Busch made 84 regular-season appearances for the Crew, leading them to the 2002 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup and the Supporters’ Shield before joining the Fire.
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On March 28, 2010, Busch was signed by Yallop, who was then the San Jose Earthquakes head coach. In five seasons in the Bay Area, Busch made 150 regular-season appearances. Busch helped the Earthquakes capture the 2012 MLS Supporters’ Shield and on Oct. 26, 2014, recorded a league-best and franchise record 138 saves in one season. His contract option for 2015 was declined by San Jose this offseason.
Born in Queens, NY, Busch represented the United States in the 1993 FIFA U-17 World Cup and earned one cap with the senior side on March 9, 2005.
