Columbus Crew re-sign backup goalkeeper Evan Bush on one-year deal with 2023 option
Jacob Myers
The Crew have secured depth at the goalkeeper position for the 2022 season.
After one season in Columbus backing up starter Eloy Room, backup 'keeper Evan Bush and the Crew have agreed to a one-year deal with an option for the 2023 season. Bush has been out of contract since the end of the year with the Crew still having interest in bringing back the Major League Soccer veteran.
In his 10th MLS season, Bush made four starts for the Crew and posted a 2-1-1 record in league play with six goals allowed. Bush held a clean sheet in the final game at Crew Stadium on June 19 and had another perfect night in net against Mexican club Cruz Azul to claim the Campeones Cup at Lower.com Field on Sept. 29.
Bush allowed six goals in four league starts, but three of those came in a loss to Philadelphia Union late in the season. In his career, Bush has made 188 regular-season appearances with 600 saves and 42 clean sheets.
The Crew viewed Bush throughout the season as a player they would be comfortable throwing into a spot start when Room was unavailable due to international duty, quarantine protocols or an injury.
“Evan is a consummate professional and continues to foster competition and provide depth to our goalkeeper corps," Crew president and general manager Tim Bezbatchenko said in a club statement. "He has stepped in admirably when called upon, including helping us lift the Campeones Cup last fall, and we’re pleased that he will be returning to the club this season.”
With this signing finalized before players report for preseason on Jan. 16, the Crew's other major area of concern is at center back where the team has no other players behind starters Jonathan Mensah and Josh Williams. The Crew have 21 of 30 roster spots filled.
The Crew begin the 2022 season at home on Feb. 26 against the Vancouver Whitecaps.