MLS Chicago Fire FC

Fire's Jon Busch named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year

Published on November 4, 2008 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Chicago Fire FC News Release


Bridgeview, Ill.(November 4, 2008) - Major League Soccer announced today Chicago Fire goalkeeper Jon Busch has been named the league's 2008 Panasonic Goalkeeper of the Year. The award was voted on by MLS players, general managers, coaches, referees and members of the media.

"It's exciting to win this award and a little bit of a shock," said Busch. "I have to give all the credit to the guys in front of me all season. They did a tremendous job and they deserve as much credit for this award as I do.

"I also want to thank my goalkeeper coach Daryl Shore and the rest of the coaching staff," added Busch. "Without their help and trust in me this award would not have been possible."

Busch, 32, led the Chicago Fire to the playoffs in his first full season as a starter since 2004, when he was a member of the Columbus Crew. Busch started and played every minute (2,700) of all 30 regular season games for Chicago. He led the club to a second place finish in the Eastern Conference (13-10-7) and ranked first in the league in shutouts (10), was tied for second in wins (13) and second in goals against average (1.10).

Injuries plagued Busch's career during 2005 and 2006 with the Crew, and Chicago traded for him before the 2007 season. He served as a back up to Matt Pickens throughout most of 2007, but after Pickens departed, Busch took over the starting job. He played in 20 games combined from 2005-2007 and recorded just seven wins in that three-year stretch. But this season, Busch excelled, facing more shots than all but two MLS goalkeepers and recording the top save percentage mark at 78.2 percent.

Busch played five seasons in the USL prior to making his Major League Soccer debut in 2002. The former collegiate All-American at UNC Charlotte anchored a Fire defense that allowed a meager 33 goals, second-best in MLS this season. Busch becomes the 11th different player to win the Goalkeeper of the Year award. He led the voting ahead of Columbus Crew goalkeeper William Hesmer and New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Reis, the other finalists named last week.

The Fire return to the pitch for the second leg of the Eastern Conference Semifinals vs. New England this Thursday, Nov. 6 at TOYOTA PARK. The game can be seen on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes and the broadcast begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the match are available via chicago-fire.com, by calling 888-MLS-FIRE, at the TOYOTA PARK Box Office or on ticketmaster.com.

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