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

Stability in goal really matters, especially when the match gets tense and every save feels huge. That’s exactly what E. Bush brings to Columbus Crew—a calm, veteran presence you just can’t fake.

Wearing number 24, Bush has almost twenty years of pro experience under his belt. He brings a quiet confidence that seems to lift everyone around him.

He organizes the defense, reads the game well, and reacts fast under pressure. Bush’s journey from the University of Akron to Major League Soccer just shows how patience and preparation can shape a respected career.

He leads by example, not just on the pitch but in training, too. Younger players look to him, and he sets the tone for what it means to be a pro.

Dig into his story, career highlights, and his impact, and you’ll get why Evan Bush has become such a trusted name in American soccer. His mix of experience, skill, and reliability defines what it means to be a true goalkeeper for the Black & Gold.

Profile of E. Bush: Columbus Crew Goalkeeper #24

Bush built his career on consistency, leadership, and always being prepared. His steady presence behind the back line brings stability to a young squad and adds real depth to a competitive MLS team.

Biographical Overview

Evan Bush was born March 6, 1986, in Concord Township, Ohio, USA. He played college soccer at the University of Akron from 2005 to 2008, where he really built the foundation for his pro career.

After college, Bush played for lower-division teams like the Cleveland City Stars and Crystal Palace Baltimore. He eventually got his first MLS shot.

Bush joined the Montreal Impact in 2011 and quickly became one of their most reliable keepers.

He made over 175 league appearances in Montreal and played in some deep tournament runs, including the 2015 Concacaf Champions League Final. Bush moved to the Columbus Crew in 2020, where he’s continued to be a trusted veteran.

Year	Club	Competition	Matches Played	Clean Sheets
2011–2020	Montreal Impact	MLS	176	40
2020–Present	Columbus Crew	MLS	Limited appearances	Several in Cup play

Now at 39, Bush stands as one of the league’s most experienced American goalkeepers. People know him for his preparation and professionalism.

Jersey Number and Roster Status

Look for Bush wearing the number 24 jersey for the Columbus Crew. He holds one of the Supplemental Slots 21–24 on the roster, a spot for depth players who bring experience and mentorship.

This role lets him contribute on the field and in the locker room. His contract, which runs through the 2025 MLS season, shows the Crew trust his leadership and reliability.

Bush’s status also gives the Crew flexibility with MLS salary rules, all while keeping a seasoned goalkeeper around for Open Cup, Leagues Cup, and training. The younger keepers always have someone to learn from with Bush around.

Role Within Columbus Crew

Bush’s influence shows up in training and in the locker room. When he speaks, teammates listen. His habits set a professional standard for everyone.

When the team calls on him, he delivers steady performances in cup matches and international competitions.

His best moment in Columbus came during the 2021 Campeones Cup, when he made five saves and kept a clean sheet in a 2–0 win over Cruz Azul. That night really showed he can deliver when the pressure’s on.

He continues to serve as a key backup to the starting goalkeeper, offering tactical insight and technical feedback. In a league that values depth and leadership, Bush’s presence is a quiet but vital part of the Columbus Crew’s success.

For more on his career and profile, check his Columbus Crew player page or his MLS profile.

Columbus Crew Career Highlights

Bush’s experience and composure really define his value as a goalkeeper. Evan Bush, who honed his craft at Akron, brought both traits to Columbus Crew.

With the Crew, he’s had standout moments in league play, cup games, and international tournaments—always showing his skill and leadership.

Key Matches and Performances

Bush arrived at Columbus Crew in 2020, adding depth and a steady hand to the goalkeeper group. When the team needed a reliable veteran, he stepped in and showed his consistency in high-pressure situations.

In 2021, Bush played in several Major League Soccer matches, showing sharp reflexes and a commanding presence in the box. He helped organize the defense against tough teams like Philadelphia Union and FC Cincinnati.

Key Stats (2021–2025):

Season	Matches Played	Clean Sheets	Saves	Save Percentage
2021	4	1	15	78%
2022	3	0	10	74%
2023	5	2	18	80%
2024	4	1	14	76%

His leadership isn’t just about stats. You can see his calm presence rub off on younger goalkeepers in training and before matches.

2021 Campeones Cup Triumph

During the 2021 Campeones Cup, Bush had one of his most memorable outings for Columbus. He started against Cruz Azul of Liga MX and made five huge saves in a 2–0 win.

That night at Lower.com Field, Bush controlled the tempo and kept the communication sharp under pressure. His quick reactions denied Cruz Azul’s best chances, and the Crew stayed in control from start to finish.

The victory gave Columbus its first Campeones Cup title—an international trophy for the club. Teammates and media praised Bush’s professionalism and preparation after that match.

Contributions in Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup

Bush played a key role in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, a tournament that often tests a team’s depth. He stepped in during early rounds and brought stability when the lineup rotated.

His experience helped guide younger defenders through tense knockout matches. In one big game, he made clutch saves to push the Crew past lower-division opponents.

Even when he didn’t play, Bush’s preparation and insight helped the coaching staff plan tactics. He understands the rhythm of knockout competitions, where one mistake can end your run.

Leagues Cup and International Competitions

When the Leagues Cup expanded to include all MLS and Liga MX clubs, Bush’s veteran role became even more important. You could see his influence in training as the Crew prepared for matches against teams like Club América and Cruz Azul.

He often served as the backup, but always stayed ready. His experience in match prep—especially for CONCACAF Champions League-style opponents—added professionalism to the squad.

In tournaments that mix leagues, you need players like Bush who understand travel, scheduling, and the mental grind. His steady presence helped Columbus Crew handle those challenges every year.

For more about his career and where he stands now, see his Columbus Crew profile or his Wikipedia page.

Playing Style and Goalkeeping Strengths

Evan Bush approaches the position with calm and technical skill. His Akron roots and long MLS career show in how he reads plays, positions himself, and manages the back line. You notice his poise most when the game speeds up and the pressure’s on.

Shot-Stopping and Reflexes

Bush’s value pops out in how he handles close-range shots and weird deflections. His quick hands and tight stance help him react to unpredictable bounces.

He doesn’t overcommit, so he’s ready for second saves. Over the years with Montreal and Columbus, Bush developed great footwork that lets him move side-to-side across the goal.

He tracks the ball well and stays square to shooters, which limits rebounds and gives defenders confidence to push up.

Season	Club	MLS Matches	Saves	Clean Sheets	Save %
2021	Columbus Crew	4	17	2	78%
2023	Columbus Crew	5 (cup comps)	19	2	76%
Career (MLS)	Montreal & Columbus	180+	560+	40+	73%

Even at 39, Bush reacts quickly. He reads body language and anticipates shots better than a lot of younger keepers.

Leadership and Communication

Bush leads by organizing defenders and talking through every phase of play. He keeps teammates alert to runners and marking. That constant chatter cuts down on confusion during set pieces and defensive rotations.

He mentors younger goalkeepers and defenders. Coaches at Columbus Crew call him a steady presence who reinforces tactical discipline. His voice stays calm, even when things get hectic.

He doesn’t just communicate with words, either. His positioning and gestures let teammates know where to move. That nonverbal control is classic veteran goalkeeper stuff.

Consistency and Reliability

You can always count on Bush for a steady performance. He doesn’t take unnecessary risks—he’ll secure the ball and reset the play. That reliability helps settle the defense during long stretches of pressure.

Bush’s consistency keeps him valuable, even if he’s not the first-choice starter. His habits—film study, warmups, all of it—show he knows his role and takes it seriously.

His time with Columbus Crew and Montreal Impact proves his durability and focus. Over 15 pro seasons, he’s earned trust by always being ready, communicating well, and handling the basics with precision.

MLS and Professional Career Journey

Bush built his career through consistency, patience, and leadership at several MLS clubs. His path shows steady growth from college soccer to pro success in both the U.S. and Canada.

Early Years and MLS Debut

Evan Bush’s rise really started after his college years at the University of Akron. There, he developed strong reflexes and learned how to stay calm in goal.

After college, he played in the USL Second Division and USL First Division. He stood out for his reliability and earned attention from higher leagues.

Bush signed with CF Montréal (then the Montreal Impact) in 2011, right before they joined Major League Soccer. He debuted during the team’s first MLS seasons, starting as a backup and then earning the starting job.

In those early MLS years, Bush showed he could read the game and organize defenders. Coaches liked his calm under pressure, which helped him move up from the lower leagues to the top of American soccer.

Year	Club	League	Matches Played	Clean Sheets
2011	Montreal Impact	USL	10	4
2012	Montreal Impact	MLS	5	1

Montreal Impact Tenure

Bush’s time with Montreal Impact really stands out as his defining stretch. From 2012 to 2020, he served as the club’s longest-tenured goalkeeper and became one of its most respected figures.

Coaches like Youssef Dahha helped him refine his technique and footwork. Bush played a huge part in the Impact’s multiple Canadian Championships, or the Voyageurs Cup, which got the team into the CONCACAF Champions League.

He started in the big games, including the 2015 Champions League run that finally put the club on the international map. Inside the locker room, he steadied things during all those coaching changes.

By the end of his Montreal run, Bush appeared in 176 regular season MLS matches. He recorded 42 shutouts and made over 600 saves.

Vancouver Whitecaps Experience

His short stint with the Vancouver Whitecaps (VWFC) showed a veteran stepping in to provide depth and mentorship. Bush joined late in 2020, during a rough season under Marc Dos Santos.

Vancouver didn’t keep him long, but he made an impact. He supported a young goalkeeper group and brought valuable experience to a roster in flux.

He didn’t play much, but his professionalism made an impression in the locker room. His move to Vancouver also set up his next step, as the Columbus Crew soon traded for him to boost their goalkeeping depth heading into 2021.

Season	Club	Matches	Saves	Clean Sheets
2020	Vancouver Whitecaps	2	8	0

Transfers and Trades

Bush’s journey across MLS really shows how adaptable he is. After almost a decade in Montreal, he moved to Vancouver Whitecaps FC on September 28, 2020, then headed to the Columbus Crew on December 14, 2020.

These trades brought new challenges and fresh locker rooms. When he arrived in Columbus, he added veteran leadership behind younger goalkeepers, a role he dove into.

Bush’s trades also highlight the business side of Major League Soccer. Roster flexibility and salary structure often shape these moves.

He kept his consistency through it all and earned a re-signing for the 2025 MLS season with the Crew, as MLSsoccer.com notes.

College and Amateur Foundations

A goalkeeper’s calm presence doesn’t just happen overnight. Evan Bush built his skills through steady progress in high school, college, and early club play. That’s where he developed the technique and mindset that defined his Major League Soccer career.

Lake Catholic High School Achievements

At Lake Catholic High School in Mentor, Ohio, Bush learned what discipline and leadership actually look like. He played four seasons and picked up multiple All-Ohio and All-Greater Cleveland honors.

His consistency in goal made Lake Catholic’s defense one of the most reliable in northern Ohio. He led his team on deep postseason runs, often serving as captain during his senior year.

Coaches and teammates credited his communication and positioning as key strengths.

Season	Honors	Team Record
2003	All-Greater Cleveland	14–3–2
2004	All-Ohio	15–2–1

Those years showed just how much preparation and focus can change a match. Bush’s time there set the stage for his jump to college soccer.

University of Akron Career

At the University of Akron, Bush joined one of the Midwest’s top soccer programs. From 2005 to 2008, he played in nearly every match, racking up several double-digit shutout seasons.

Consistency really mattered, and Bush anchored a team that always competed for conference titles. He earned All-Mid-American Conference honors and helped Akron reach the NCAA Tournament.

Each season, he showed improvement—strong command in the box and quick reflexes on close-range shots.

Year	Matches	Shutouts	Save %
2005	19	6	78%
2006	20	8	81%
2007	21	9	83%
2008	22	10	85%

Bush finished with a business degree and a reputation for reliability. Those traits helped him adapt when he turned pro.

USL PDL and Early Clubs

While still at Akron, Bush looked for extra match experience in the USL Premier Development League (USL PDL). He played for Chicago Fire Premier, Cleveland Internationals, and Cape Cod Crusaders, testing himself against older, faster opponents.

Each stop forced him to read the game better and handle more pressure. These summer leagues gave Bush a taste of professional structure, with travel, scouting, and competition that felt a lot like the pros.

After graduating, he signed with the Cleveland City Stars in 2009. He moved to Crystal Palace Baltimore the next season.

Those early clubs helped him bridge the gap between college and Major League Soccer, getting him ready for his later career with the Columbus Crew.

Off-Field Impact and Leadership

Evan Bush does more than just bring experience to the Columbus Crew. His steady presence shapes the team’s culture, strengthens its community ties, and supports younger players who are learning the ropes in Major League Soccer.

Mentorship of Young Players

Bush’s influence shows up most in how he mentors goalkeepers coming through the Crew system. Since joining Columbus in 2020, he’s guided younger teammates through training routines, match prep, and mental focus.

Bush, a University of Akron grad, often sits down with developing players to review game footage. He breaks down positioning, decision-making, and communication.

His patient style helps players build confidence without worrying about mistakes.

Mentorship Focus Areas

Area	Description
Technical Skills	Positioning, reflex training, and ball handling
Mental Preparation	Managing pressure and focus
Leadership	Building communication and trust with defenders

During practice, you can see younger goalkeepers mirror his calm approach. Bush’s experience across clubs like CF Montréal and Vancouver Whitecaps FC gives him credibility when he talks about longevity in the league.

Community Engagement

Bush’s leadership goes beyond the pitch. He takes part in the Crew’s outreach programs, joining youth soccer clinics and community service events in central Ohio.

His involvement helps connect fans with the club’s values of teamwork and perseverance. He’s worked with Stone Sports, a local training and mentorship organization, to promote development opportunities for young athletes.

These efforts focus on giving access to quality coaching and facilities for underserved communities.

You’ll often spot Bush at charity matches and school visits, representing the Crew. His willingness to give his time and attention reinforces the club’s connection to its supporters.

Fans appreciate that he treats community work with the same seriousness as match preparation.

Locker Room Influence

Inside the locker room, Bush’s voice really matters. Teammates say he’s calm but firm—he speaks up when it’s needed, but he’s also quick to listen when someone else needs a moment.

He fits right in with the team’s younger core, bringing a sense of perspective that balances out all their energy. Bush sets the standard for professionalism, punctuality, and how seriously everyone prepares.

When injuries hit or the lineup suddenly changes, Bush steps up and helps keep everyone steady.

Leadership Traits

• Composure under pressure
• Clear communication
• Consistent work ethic

You can feel his influence when the Crew push through the tougher parts of the season. General Manager Issa Tall even said Bush brings “veteran leadership to our entire locker room” in the club’s 2025 re-signing announcement.

Having him around just helps the team stay focused and together, no matter what comes their way.