Jon Busch
Encyclopedia
Jon Busch is an American
soccer goalkeeper for the San Jose Earthquakes
of Major League Soccer
.
in Guilderland, New York
, near Albany
, where he was named a high school All-American. He was ranked within the top 25 best players in the nation as a senior.
In college, Busch was a NSCAA First Team All-American in 1996, when he help lead UNC Charlotte
to their first ever appearance in the College Cup
and a school-record 19 wins. That season remains the only College Cup (Final Four) appearance in school history. He recorded a career-high 12 shutouts that season, including two in the NCAA Tournament and a career-low 0.89 goals against average (GAA) en route to being named Conference USA
Defensive Player of the Year. Overall he was a First Team All-Conference selection three times and was named to Soccer America’s First Team Freshman All-America team in 1994. In total, Busch spent 3 seasons with UNC Charlotte.
. He was drafted in 1997 by Nashville Metros
with the 2nd Overall pick in the A-League
draft, but opted to split his first year with Worcester Wildfire
and Carolina Dynamo
. Busch then moved on to Hampton Roads Mariners, where he spent 3 seasons. He was named the team MVP in his second season. His breakout season came in 2001 with the Hershey Wildcats
. He won 14 games and posted 13 shutouts while leading the team to the A-League
National Championship match. Busch was named the A-League Goalkeeper of the Year and was selected the Division II circuit's first-team All-League keeper.
Major League Soccer
took note of his USL play and it resulted in Busch being drafted by Columbus Crew
with the 23rd overall pick of the 2002 MLS SuperDraft
. Busch did not become a starter for the Crew immediately, sharing the duties in his first MLS season with incumbent Tom Presthus
. He became a starter by 2003, but did not do very well as Columbus floundered in the standings. In contrast, both the Crew and Busch had terrific 2004 regular seasons, as the team, led by Busch's goaltending, embarked on a league-record 18-game undefeated streak. Busch was a finalist for the 2004 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Award
for his performance, and his impact on the team's season was cited as the third-highest impact of any MLS player on any MLS team in the history of the league by MLSnet writer Jeff Bradley. In 2005, he was sidelined by a knee injury for most of the season, leading the Crew to acquire Jonny Walker
. The Crew's goalkeeping injury woes intensified in 2006, as Busch was one of several injured keepers on the team roster, managing only 8 games. He was waived prior to the 2007 season and found himself the only player picked in the 2007 MLS Waiver Draft, selected by Toronto FC
. On March 21 of the same year, he was waived by Toronto, as the team found itself over the limit for senior international roster spots. He was subsequently picked up by the Fire. Busch was to serve primarily as a backup keeper in 2007 and only made it into three matches all season. However with the departure of starter Matt Pickens
to Queens Park Rangers
of England
's second-tier Football League Championship
, Busch ultimately inherited the starter's role with the Fire to start the 2008 season.
On October 27, 2008, Busch was named Fire MVP for the 2008 season. Busch was the only Fire player to start and play 90 minutes in every MLS match during the regular season (2700 minutes). Busch posted the best saves percentage in the league (78.2) after making 122 saves on 156 shots faced. Busch tied for most shutouts in the league (10), while also tying a Fire single season shutout record shared with Matt Pickens
for his 10 shutouts in 2007.
On November 4, 2008, Busch was named the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, beating competition from the likes of Matt Reis
and Joe Cannon
.
On March 22, 2010, Bush was waived by the Chicago Fire. He was signed by San Jose Earthquakes
shortly afterwards on March 28.
on 9 March 2005. He shut out Colombia
in a friendly, but despite the performance was not called back into the squad.
He has also represented the U.S. at the U-17 and U-20 levels, as well as having played in the 1993 FIFA U-17 World Championship
in Japan
.
pastor. Jon Busch was married to Nicole Blair on 11 December 2004.
He has obtained his "B" coaching license in January 2003.
While playing for the Columbus Crew, Jon Busch also trained goalkeepers in Columbus' youth soccer league, the Ohio Football Club.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
soccer goalkeeper for the San Jose Earthquakes
San Jose Earthquakes
The San Jose Earthquakes professional soccer team is located in the San Jose, California, United States suburb of Santa Clara, and participates in Major League Soccer , the top level soccer league in the United States and Canada....
of Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer is a professional soccer league based in the United States and sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation . The league is composed of 19 teams — 16 in the U.S. and 3 in Canada...
.
Youth and College
Busch played at Guilderland High SchoolGuilderland High School
Guilderland High School is a public senior high school, located in Guilderland Center, New York. It is part of the Guilderland Central School District. Constructed in 1953, the high school has since undergone additions in 1955, 1960, 1997 and 2010...
in Guilderland, New York
Guilderland, New York
Guilderland is a town in Albany County, New York, United States. In the 2010 census, the town had a population of 35,303. The town is named for the Gelderland province in the Netherlands....
, near Albany
Albany, New York
Albany is the capital city of the U.S. state of New York, the seat of Albany County, and the central city of New York's Capital District. Roughly north of New York City, Albany sits on the west bank of the Hudson River, about south of its confluence with the Mohawk River...
, where he was named a high school All-American. He was ranked within the top 25 best players in the nation as a senior.
In college, Busch was a NSCAA First Team All-American in 1996, when he help lead UNC Charlotte
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte , also known as UNC Charlotte or simply Charlotte, is a public research university located in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States...
to their first ever appearance in the College Cup
NCAA Men's Soccer Championship
The NCAA began conducting a Men's Division I Soccer Championship tournament in 1959 with an eight-team tournament. Currently, the tournament field consists of 48 teams...
and a school-record 19 wins. That season remains the only College Cup (Final Four) appearance in school history. He recorded a career-high 12 shutouts that season, including two in the NCAA Tournament and a career-low 0.89 goals against average (GAA) en route to being named Conference USA
Conference USA
Conference USA, officially abbreviated C-USA, is a college athletic conference whose member institutions are located within the Southern United States. The conference participates in the NCAA's Division I in all sports...
Defensive Player of the Year. Overall he was a First Team All-Conference selection three times and was named to Soccer America’s First Team Freshman All-America team in 1994. In total, Busch spent 3 seasons with UNC Charlotte.
Professional
Busch was undrafted out of college and spent a number of years in the United Soccer LeaguesUnited Soccer Leagues
The United Soccer Leagues is the organizer of several soccer leagues with teams in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. It includes men's and women's leagues, both professional and amateur. Leagues currently organized are the USL Pro, the USL Premier Development League, the W-League, and...
. He was drafted in 1997 by Nashville Metros
Nashville Metros
Nashville Metros is an American soccer team based in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. Founded in 1989, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Southeast Division of the Southern Conference...
with the 2nd Overall pick in the A-League
USL First Division
The United Soccer Leagues First Division was a professional men's soccer league in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico....
draft, but opted to split his first year with Worcester Wildfire
Boston Bulldogs (soccer)
The Boston Bulldogs were a soccer club originally founded in 1996 as the Worcester Wildfire. The team debuted in the USISL and would play in the A-League from 1997 to 2000...
and Carolina Dynamo
Carolina Dynamo
Carolina Dynamo is an American soccer team based in Greensboro, North Carolina, United States. Founded in 1993, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the South Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference.The team plays its home...
. Busch then moved on to Hampton Roads Mariners, where he spent 3 seasons. He was named the team MVP in his second season. His breakout season came in 2001 with the Hershey Wildcats
Hershey Wildcats
Hershey Wildcats were a professional soccer team, based in Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA, that played in the USL A-League between 1997 and 2001. The team was owned by Hershey Entertainment and Resorts Company...
. He won 14 games and posted 13 shutouts while leading the team to the A-League
USL First Division
The United Soccer Leagues First Division was a professional men's soccer league in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico....
National Championship match. Busch was named the A-League Goalkeeper of the Year and was selected the Division II circuit's first-team All-League keeper.
Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer is a professional soccer league based in the United States and sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation . The league is composed of 19 teams — 16 in the U.S. and 3 in Canada...
took note of his USL play and it resulted in Busch being drafted by Columbus Crew
Columbus Crew
The Columbus Crew is an American professional soccer club based in Columbus, Ohio which competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada...
with the 23rd overall pick of the 2002 MLS SuperDraft
2002 MLS SuperDraft
The 2002 Major League Soccer SuperDraft.-Round 1:-Round 2:-Round 3:-Round 4:-Round 5:-Round 6:...
. Busch did not become a starter for the Crew immediately, sharing the duties in his first MLS season with incumbent Tom Presthus
Tom Presthus
Thomas “Tom” Presthus is a retired U.S. soccer goalkeeper. He spent seven seasons in Major League Soccer and earned one caps with the U.S. national team in 1999.-Youth:...
. He became a starter by 2003, but did not do very well as Columbus floundered in the standings. In contrast, both the Crew and Busch had terrific 2004 regular seasons, as the team, led by Busch's goaltending, embarked on a league-record 18-game undefeated streak. Busch was a finalist for the 2004 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Award
MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Award
In the United States, Major League Soccer has handed out a Goalkeeper of the Year Award since its inception in 1996. Here is a list of recipients:-Winners:-External links:*...
for his performance, and his impact on the team's season was cited as the third-highest impact of any MLS player on any MLS team in the history of the league by MLSnet writer Jeff Bradley. In 2005, he was sidelined by a knee injury for most of the season, leading the Crew to acquire Jonny Walker
Jonny Walker
Jonny Walker is an American soccer goalkeeper who is an assistant coach with the University of Memphis women's soccer team. Walker played professionally in Chile and the United States, including Major League Soccer...
. The Crew's goalkeeping injury woes intensified in 2006, as Busch was one of several injured keepers on the team roster, managing only 8 games. He was waived prior to the 2007 season and found himself the only player picked in the 2007 MLS Waiver Draft, selected by Toronto FC
Toronto FC
Toronto FC is a Canadian professional soccer club based in Toronto, Ontario which competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada....
. On March 21 of the same year, he was waived by Toronto, as the team found itself over the limit for senior international roster spots. He was subsequently picked up by the Fire. Busch was to serve primarily as a backup keeper in 2007 and only made it into three matches all season. However with the departure of starter Matt Pickens
Matt Pickens
Matt Pickens is an American soccer player who currently plays for Colorado Rapids in Major League Soccer.-Youth and Amateur:...
to Queens Park Rangers
Queens Park Rangers F.C.
Queens Park Rangers Football Club is an English professional football club, based in White City, Hammersmith and Fulham, west London. As the 2010-11 Football League Championship champions, they now play in the top tier of English football the Premier League, for the first time in 15 years...
of England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
's second-tier Football League Championship
Football League Championship
The Football League Championship is the highest division of The Football League and second-highest division overall in the English football league system after the Premier League...
, Busch ultimately inherited the starter's role with the Fire to start the 2008 season.
On October 27, 2008, Busch was named Fire MVP for the 2008 season. Busch was the only Fire player to start and play 90 minutes in every MLS match during the regular season (2700 minutes). Busch posted the best saves percentage in the league (78.2) after making 122 saves on 156 shots faced. Busch tied for most shutouts in the league (10), while also tying a Fire single season shutout record shared with Matt Pickens
Matt Pickens
Matt Pickens is an American soccer player who currently plays for Colorado Rapids in Major League Soccer.-Youth and Amateur:...
for his 10 shutouts in 2007.
On November 4, 2008, Busch was named the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, beating competition from the likes of Matt Reis
Matt Reis
Matt Reis is an American soccer player who currently plays for New England Revolution in Major League Soccer.-College:Reis played college soccer at UCLA...
and Joe Cannon
Joe Cannon (soccer)
Joe Cannon is an American soccer player who currently plays for Vancouver Whitecaps FC in Major League Soccer.-Professional:...
.
On March 22, 2010, Bush was waived by the Chicago Fire. He was signed by San Jose Earthquakes
San Jose Earthquakes
The San Jose Earthquakes professional soccer team is located in the San Jose, California, United States suburb of Santa Clara, and participates in Major League Soccer , the top level soccer league in the United States and Canada....
shortly afterwards on March 28.
International
Busch earned his first, and only, cap for the United StatesUnited States men's national soccer team
The United States men's national soccer team represents the United States in international association football competitions. It is controlled by the United States Soccer Federation and competes in CONCACAF...
on 9 March 2005. He shut out Colombia
Colombia national football team
The Colombian national football team represents Colombia in international football competitions and is controlled by the Colombian Football Federation. It is a member of the CONMEBOL...
in a friendly, but despite the performance was not called back into the squad.
He has also represented the U.S. at the U-17 and U-20 levels, as well as having played in the 1993 FIFA U-17 World Championship
1993 FIFA U-17 World Championship
The 1993 FIFA U-17 World Championship was held in the cities of Tokyo, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Kobe, Nagoya, and Gifu City in Japan between 21 August and 4 September 1993...
in Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
.
Personal
Busch is the son of Madeline and Robert Busch. Robert Busch is a LutheranLutheranism
Lutheranism is a major branch of Western Christianity that identifies with the theology of Martin Luther, a German reformer. Luther's efforts to reform the theology and practice of the church launched the Protestant Reformation...
pastor. Jon Busch was married to Nicole Blair on 11 December 2004.
He has obtained his "B" coaching license in January 2003.
While playing for the Columbus Crew, Jon Busch also trained goalkeepers in Columbus' youth soccer league, the Ohio Football Club.
Individual
- MLS Goalkeeper of the YearMLS Goalkeeper of the Year AwardIn the United States, Major League Soccer has handed out a Goalkeeper of the Year Award since its inception in 1996. Here is a list of recipients:-Winners:-External links:*...
: 2008 - MLS Best XIMLS Best XIThe MLS Best XI is an acknowledgement of the best eleven players in the league in a given season for Major League Soccer in Canada and the United States.-Winners:*Players in bold text also won the Major League Soccer MVP Award award for that season....
: 2008