E. Bush, Columbus Crew Goalkeeper #24: Career, Stats & Legacy

You spot him on the pitch, calm and steady, wearing number 24 for the Columbus Crew. E. Bush brings almost two decades of professional experience to every match, quietly guiding younger players. He anchors the Crew’s defense when the pressure’s on, thanks to his composure and leadership.

At 39, Bush still trains and competes with the same focus he showed back at the University of Akron. He spent years with the Montreal Impact, racking up over 170 MLS appearances before landing in Columbus.

Each season, he shows that preparation and experience can outlast age. He stays ready for every challenge.

Bush’s influence stretches beyond the field. He shapes the Crew’s locker room culture and mentors the next wave of goalkeepers.

His story connects years of steady performance with the values that make a team stronger—on the pitch and in the community. You can see how E. Bush keeps making a difference for the Columbus Crew and Major League Soccer as a whole.

Profile of E. Bush: Columbus Crew Goalkeeper #24

You’re looking at a goalkeeper whose career runs on consistency, leadership, and professionalism. Evan Bush brings a wealth of MLS experience and a calm presence that lifts the Crew both on and off the field.

Personal Background and Early Life

Evan William Bush was born on March 6, 1986, in Concord Township, Ohio, USA. Growing up near Cleveland, he took an unusual path for a future pro goalkeeper in a region not exactly famous for producing them.

He attended Lake Catholic High School, where his play caught the eye of college scouts. Next up was the University of Akron, a program with a real knack for developing MLS talent.

From 2005 to 2008, Bush played for Akron, sharpening his skills and decision-making between the posts.

Before turning pro, Bush also played for several USL Premier Development League teams—Chicago Fire Premier, Cleveland Internationals, and Cape Cod Crusaders. Facing older, tougher players gave him important match experience.

By 2009, he joined the Cleveland City Stars for his first professional season. His time with smaller clubs built up his resilience and set the stage for a long MLS run.

Physical Attributes and Playing Position

Standing at 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 m), Bush fits the modern goalkeeper mold. His reach and quick reactions make him dependable during set pieces and in one-on-one moments.

He relies more on positioning than on sheer athleticism. Bush reads the game well, often cutting off crosses before they turn dangerous.

His calm approach keeps defenders organized and helps limit mistakes in the back.

Bush’s role as a goalkeeper centers on communication, leadership, and composure under pressure. He’s not flashy, but you can count on his consistency.

That reliability earns him respect from teammates and coaches.

Attribute	Detail
Height	6’1″ (1.85 m)
Weight	187 lbs (85 kg)
Position	Goalkeeper
Preferred Foot	Right
MLS Debut	2011 (Montreal Impact)

Jersey Number and Its Significance

Evan Bush wears jersey number 24 for the Columbus Crew. That number means more than just a spot on the roster—it signals his veteran presence and steady influence.

The number shows his role as a dependable backup who’s always ready when called. Even when he’s not starting, Bush’s preparation and mentorship help younger goalkeepers adjust to the pro game.

He joined the Crew in 2020 after nearly a decade with the Montreal Impact, where he played 176 MLS matches. Since then, he’s become a trusted figure in Columbus, often praised for professionalism and leadership.

You can check out more about his current role and experience on the Columbus Crew official site.

Role and Impact at Columbus Crew

A veteran goalkeeper shapes a locker room and steadies a back line in ways that stats don’t always show. Evan Bush brings experience, leadership, and reliability to Columbus Crew as he keeps guiding younger players and providing dependable cover in MLS competition.

Squad Role and Veteran Leadership

Evan Bush serves as a trusted backup and mentor in the Crew’s goalkeeper group. At 39, he brings more than a decade of MLS experience—including long runs with CF Montréal and the Vancouver Whitecaps.

He’s an Ohio native and a University of Akron grad, so he gets the local soccer culture and what a club with big ambitions expects.

His influence shows up most in training and team meetings. Younger goalkeepers often ask him about positioning, communication, and how to prep for games.

His calm under pressure sets the standard for handling high‑stakes matches.

Crew General Manager Issa Tall called Bush a source of “great depth and a wealth of knowledge” when the club announced his 2025 contract renewal. That presence stabilizes the locker room (Columbus Crew re‑sign goalkeeper Evan Bush).

Roster Status and Supplemental Slots

Bush holds one of the supplemental roster slots (21–24)—a spot for experienced players who support the main squad while keeping roster flexibility under MLS rules.

This move lets the Crew keep a seasoned pro without using a senior roster slot, balancing cap management and depth.

It’s a smart play. The coaching staff gets a reliable option for cup matches or when the starter’s unavailable.

He also ensures continuity if injuries or international call‑ups hit.

Bush’s re‑signing before the 2025 season shows the Crew value his adaptability and professionalism. MLS teams are using supplemental slots more and more to keep veteran players who contribute on the field and help develop others (Columbus Crew re‑sign veteran goalkeeper Evan Bush).

Key Matches and Clean Sheets

Bush delivered his most memorable recent performance in the 2021 Campeones Cup, posting a clean sheet in Columbus’s 2‑0 win over Cruz Azul. He made five saves that night—proof that experience can still decide the big games.

In 2024, Bush started two MLS regular‑season games before a forearm injury sidelined him. Even with limited minutes, he provided stability and kept the defense organized.

Here’s a quick look at his MLS career stats:

Category	MLS Regular Season	Postseason	Clean Sheets	Saves
Matches Started	190	8	42	606

Bush’s record shows steady reliability across 15 seasons. If you look at clubs like the Philadelphia Union or other MLS contenders, having a steady veteran in reserve can make all the difference over a long campaign.

Career Achievements and Milestones

You’re looking at a goalkeeper whose career is built on consistency, leadership, and experience. From his early days in Ohio to his veteran role in Major League Soccer, Evan Bush’s path shows how steady performance and professionalism can keep a career going in the net.

MLS Debut and Career Progression

Evan Bush started his pro career after playing college soccer at the University of Akron from 2005 to 2008. He went pro in 2009 with the Cleveland City Stars, then joined Crystal Palace Baltimore before signing with the Montreal Impact in 2011.

Bush became a regular starter when Montreal entered Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2012. Over nearly a decade, he played more than 170 league matches for the Impact, building a reputation for reliability and sharp reflexes.

In 2020, Bush joined the Columbus Crew, providing veteran depth and guidance for younger goalkeepers. He appeared in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, Leagues Cup, and Campeones Cup, and took on a leadership role in the locker room.

The Crew re-signed him for the 2025 MLS season, recognizing his ongoing value (Columbus Crew profile).

Notable Awards and Honors

Bush’s career includes some key achievements that speak to both his longevity and performance. With Montreal, he helped the team win the Voyageurs Cup in 2013, 2014, and 2019.

He started throughout Montreal’s run to the Concacaf Champions League Final in 2015.

In Columbus, Bush was part of the squad that won the 2021 Campeones Cup, making five saves and earning a clean sheet in a 2–0 win over Cruz Azul. That match really highlighted his composure and experience on a big stage.

His contributions go beyond trophies. Teammates and coaches often mention his leadership and preparation as key to maintaining high standards in the goalkeeper group.

Statistical Highlights

Bush’s MLS career numbers show his consistency and impact.

Competition	Appearances	Saves	Clean Sheets	Years Active
MLS Regular Season	176+	562	40	2012–2025
Canadian Championship	8	—	—	2013–2019
Concacaf Champions League	13	—	5	2013–2015
U.S. Open Cup & Leagues Cup	6+	—	—	2021–2023

These stats, pulled from his time with Montreal and Columbus, show a player who kept his form across different competitions. Bush rarely faltered, adapting to new systems and challenges while delivering steady performances year after year (MLS profile).

Performance in Domestic and International Competitions

Experience really shapes how a goalkeeper handles pressure, doesn’t it? Evan Bush’s long career shows up in how he manages big moments, especially in knockout and international play.

His time with the Crew and earlier with Montreal Impact highlights his reliability in both domestic and cross-border tournaments.

Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Appearances

Bush has been a steady presence in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, often stepping in as a trusted veteran. With the Columbus Crew, he played in multiple Cup matches from 2021 to 2023, giving younger teammates dependable shot-stopping and leadership.

His college days at the University of Akron set him up for these high-pressure games. Bush’s knack for reading play and commanding his box helped the Crew stay competitive, even with rotated lineups.

U.S. Open Cup Stats (Columbus Crew)

Year	Matches Played	Clean Sheets	Saves	Outcome
2021	1	0	4	Round of 32
2022	1	1	3	Round of 16
2023	3	1	9	Quarterfinals

His calm communication and positional sense often stabilized the defense when things got tense. You could see his experience paying off whenever the game sped up and the stakes rose.

Leagues Cup and Campeones Cup Contributions

Bush played in the Leagues Cup, which keeps growing as MLS and Liga MX clubs go head-to-head. In 2023, he took the field for Columbus and handled himself well against teams he hadn’t faced before.

During the 2021 Campeones Cup, Bush put together one of his best nights. He helped the Crew grab a 2–0 win over Liga MX side Cruz Azul, making five saves and keeping a clean sheet. That night, his quick reflexes and calm under pressure stood out.

Notable Match: Campeones Cup 2021

• Opponent: Cruz Azul (Liga MX)
• Result: Columbus Crew 2–0 Cruz Azul
• Bush’s Key Stats: 5 saves, 1 clean sheet

If you watched that match, you probably remember how Bush’s timing and choices shut down Cruz Azul’s attack. Teammates and coaches gave him plenty of credit for setting the pace in a big final.

Concacaf Champions League and Liga MX Encounters

Before he joined Columbus, Bush already knew the Concacaf Champions League well from his years with Montreal Impact. From 2013 to 2015, he started 13 times, including the 2015 final against Club América.

He kept five clean sheets during that stretch, and his efforts helped Montreal become a real threat in the tournament. Facing Liga MX clubs forced him to handle heavy pressure and quick counterattacks.

Concacaf Champions League Record (Montreal Impact)

Seasons	Starts	Clean Sheets	Best Finish
2013–2015	13	5	Finalist (2015)

Bush’s composure later in his career traces back to those nights in Mexico City and Central America. Playing against Club América and other top Liga MX teams sharpened his instincts and shaped the way he plays for Columbus now.

For a deeper dive into Bush’s career and stats, check out his Columbus Crew profile.

Experience With Other Clubs

It’s interesting to see how a goalkeeper’s journey can cross so many leagues and cities. Evan Bush carved out his reputation through consistent play, long runs with Canadian clubs, and early days in the lower leagues of American soccer. His story really shows how persistence and flexibility can stretch a pro career way past the usual cutoff.

Tenure at CF Montréal and Montreal Impact

Most folks probably remember Bush for his ten years with Montreal Impact, which later became CF Montréal. He arrived in 2011 and stayed through 2020, picking up 176 MLS regular season appearances. His steady play kept Montreal in the mix in both league and cup competitions.

Bush recorded 40 clean sheets and racked up 562 saves during his Montreal years. He also played in eight playoff matches, showing he could handle the big moments. Under head coach Marc Dos Santos and goalkeeper coach Youssef Dahha, Bush grew into one of MLS’s most respected veterans.

He played big roles in the Canadian Championship, winning the Voyageurs Cup in 2013, 2014, and 2019. Bush also helped Montreal reach the 2015 Concacaf Champions League Final, starting 13 matches and logging five clean sheets.

Competition	Matches	Clean Sheets	Titles Won
MLS Regular Season	176	40	—
Canadian Championship	8	3	3 (2013, 2014, 2019)
Concacaf Champions League	13	5	—

Season With Vancouver Whitecaps

After Montreal, Bush headed to Vancouver Whitecaps FC (VWFC) in 2020. His time in British Columbia was brief but meaningful. He brought depth and experience during a year when Vancouver was in transition, and Marc Dos Santos—his former coach—was at the helm.

Bush’s experience helped steady the goalkeeper group as the team dealt with roster changes and pandemic hurdles. He didn’t get a ton of starts, but his presence in training and around the locker room gave younger goalkeepers someone to look up to.

His reliability in Vancouver helped pave the way for his next move to Columbus Crew, where he’s continued as a trusted veteran.

Early Professional and USL Career

Bush’s roots go back to the University of Akron, where he played from 2005 to 2008. Those college years really set the stage for his pro career.

After finishing college, he signed with the Cleveland City Stars in the USL First Division in 2009. The next year, he joined Crystal Palace Baltimore in the USL Second Division, picking up valuable minutes.

During college summers, Bush played in the USL PDL for teams like Chicago Fire Premier, Cleveland Internationals, and Cape Cod Crusaders. These games helped him sharpen his shot-stopping and decision-making.

Each stop in the lower leagues toughened him up for MLS. By the time he landed in Montreal, he’d already built up the poise and work ethic that would carry him through a long career.

Playing Style and Strengths

If you watch Bush, you’ll notice how experience shapes every part of his game. He reacts fast, keeps the back line talking, and stays calm when things get wild. Columbus Crew looks organized when he’s in goal. He’s not flashy—he prefers precision and preparation over just winging it.

Shot-Stopping and Reflexes

Bush’s best quality? He reads the ball early. He gets into position quickly, cutting off angles before the shooter even knows what’s coming. That anticipation makes his saves look easy, though they’re anything but.

Even at 39, his reflexes are still sharp. In the 2021 Campeones Cup, he made five saves and earned a clean sheet against Cruz Azul. Not bad for a veteran.

He doesn’t dive in too early. He stays balanced, always ready to adjust if a shot takes a weird bounce. Years with Montreal Impact and now Columbus Crew have drilled that discipline into him.

Category	Statistic
MLS Regular Season Matches (Montreal)	176
MLS Saves (Montreal)	562
Clean Sheets (Montreal)	40
Campeones Cup Clean Sheets (Columbus)	1

These stats, pulled from his Columbus Crew profile, show a keeper who relies on smarts and reflexes more than just raw athleticism.

Leadership and Communication on the Field

If you listen during matches, you’ll hear Bush directing traffic. He calls out marks, keeps the defense in shape, and makes sure everyone’s tuned in during set pieces. That leadership helps settle a back line, especially when younger players are still finding their feet in MLS.

His communication is steady, not loud for the sake of it. When things get tense, he talks clearly, never just yelling to make noise. Crew coaches have praised how he mentors other goalkeepers and keeps the locker room focused.

Bush learned how to command a defense back at the University of Akron. Those college days shaped his communication style—he leads more by example and smart instruction than by raising his voice.

Consistency and Resilience

You know what you’re getting with Bush. Whether he’s starting or backing up, he preps the same way every week. That steadiness builds trust in the squad and gives coaches options when the schedule gets crowded.

He’s handled club changes and different competitions, from Montreal’s Canadian Championship runs to Columbus’s U.S. Open Cup matches. Each time, he’s adapted and kept working.

In training, he sticks to the basics—footwork, reaction drills, distribution. That day-to-day focus keeps him ready for whatever comes. His resilience, both mental and physical, is a big reason he’s still going strong for Columbus Crew in 2025.

Off-Field Contributions and Community Involvement

Bush’s impact with the Columbus Crew goes far beyond the pitch. His leadership, mentoring style, and steady presence in local programs show his commitment to soccer in the U.S.

Mentorship of Young Players

Bush’s biggest influence shows up when he’s working with younger goalkeepers. He shares lessons from 15 MLS seasons, helping them handle pressure and polish their daily routines. As a veteran, he emphasizes communication, positioning, and mental prep, all crucial for keepers learning the ropes.

He reviews match film with teammates and breaks down technical points in small groups. His calm, direct style builds trust with up-and-coming players.

Focus Area	Mentorship Activity	Impact
Technical Skills	One-on-one drills and video review	Improved decision-making
Mental Preparation	Pre-match discussions	Greater confidence
Leadership	Guidance during training	Stronger team unity

Bush’s mentorship doesn’t stop at soccer. He encourages players to balance the sport with education and community work, a value he picked up during his time at the University of Akron.

Community Engagement

Off the field, Bush gets involved in Columbus-area youth programs. He joins Crew-sponsored clinics and charity events, working to make soccer more accessible for kids who might not have the chance otherwise. Through partnerships with local groups and sponsors like Stone Sports, he helps provide gear and coaching to young athletes.

He shows up at school events and fundraisers, too. His steady presence and professionalism make him easy for fans and families to connect with.

Bush supports the Crew’s community outreach listed on the Columbus Crew Community page. These efforts help the club stay close to its supporters and show that players can be leaders off the field, too.

Influence in the Locker Room

Inside the locker room, Bush sets the tone. Younger teammates often come to him for advice during long, tough seasons. His experience with CF Montréal and Vancouver Whitecaps FC gives him a broad take on MLS culture.

He pushes for accountability and open conversations. When things get tense, he reminds everyone what the group is working toward. Coaches appreciate his input because he understands both the tactics and the emotions that drive a team.

Bush leads quietly but consistently. His example helps the group stay focused during playoff runs and long road trips. For a club like the Columbus Crew, that kind of steady presence can be as important as any save on the field.

College and Youth Soccer Background

A goalkeeper’s foundation gets built long before the pro spotlight. Evan Bush developed his skills through youth programs and a standout college run that set him up for Major League Soccer.

University of Akron Achievements

At the University of Akron, Bush grew into one of the most reliable goalkeepers in the Mid-American Conference. He played from 2005 to 2008, earning several All-MAC honors and setting school records for shutouts and saves.

In his senior season, he helped Akron reach the NCAA Tournament, boosting the program’s national profile. His steady play and leadership stood out, especially in games where his saves really made a difference.

Key College Statistics

Category	Total	Notes
Seasons Played	4 (2005–2008)	Started most matches
Clean Sheets	48	Program record at the time
Save Percentage	.820	Among best in MAC
Honors	3× All-MAC	Known for consistency

You can see the roots of Bush’s technical sharpness and calm demeanor in these college years. His time with the Zips gave him a strong tactical sense and the confidence to lead from the back.

Youth Clubs and Development

Before college, Bush dove into northern Ohio’s tough soccer scene. He went to Lake Catholic High School and picked up some regional recognition for his play.

He spent important years with Mentor Impact and Cleveland Force. Both clubs have a reputation for shaping disciplined players.

These programs really focused on positioning, reflexes, and communication. You can still see those skills show up in his games with the Columbus Crew.

Bush also jumped into regional and state tournaments early on, facing tough competition. That kind of experience made college soccer feel less intimidating and set him up for a long run as a pro.

If you’re curious, you can check out more about his early days and pro journey on his Columbus Crew profile.