Less than three weeks ago, Jon Busch’s career was in a major state of flux. The Fire had controversially released the 2008 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year and, with most MLS clubs set at the position, Busch was left wondering where he would play next.
He told multiple outlets, including MLSsoccer.com, that he was looking anywhere and anywhere for work. USL, Europe, MLS -- all were legitimate options for Busch.
Ultimately though, he remained stateside and in the big leagues, signing a deal to become the backup goalkeeper in San Jose only a week after being released by the Fire.
“I'm just really excited to help San Jose in any way I can,” Busch told MLSsoccer.com over the phone. “I'm going to do what I've always done in the 14 years [I've been playing professional soccer], just put my head down and work and do what I can do and leave the rest up to the coaching staff."
Now, three weeks into the season, Busch is coming back to Chicago. The Earthquakes and the Fire will play this Saturday in the Toyota Park home opener and what will undoubtedly be an emotional homecoming for Busch.
"At the end of the day it's a game that both teams will obviously want to win" Busch said. "It might be a little hard emotionally ... seeing the fans again for the first time. But at the end of the day what's done is done and I am now a San Jose Earthquake, and our job is to come in there and find a way to get a result."
For their part, Busch’s former teammates are happy the fiery goalkeeper is still in MLS. They’re hoping for the best for their former teammate -- just not this weekend.
“I’m happy for him because he landed a team,” Fire defender C.J. Brown said. “But what’s done is done. He’s with San Jose now so we’ve got to move on and concentrate with our group. I wish him the best, just not against us.”
