American goalkeeper continues to lead by example after signing new contract
It’s been a hell of a 12 months for goalkeeper Evan Bush. Entering the last year of his contract last season, the American put up his best season yet, ranking among the league leaders in almost every category between the sticks.
But it wasn’t just his play in the penalty area that prompted the Impact to keep Bush around for a few more years. Having joined the Bleu-blanc-noir in 2011, in its USL days, the ‘keeper has become a part of the club’s fabric. His professionalism on and off the pitch is an example to follow for those coming into the Impact first team, and his leadership has been essential to the club’s success in MLS.
Now a few months into his new three-year contract with the club he’s called home for close to a decade, not much seems to have changed regarding Bushie’s approach
“I’m wired in a way that I don’t want to be content,” said Bush. “I made it a point that when I did get a new contract, I didn’t want to change anything in terms of my mindset and my mentality. I want to continue coming to work every day with a bit of a chip on my shoulder and try to keep that edge, because once you lose that edge, you deteriorate quickly.”
That edge doesn’t seem to be going anywhere soon. The 33-year-old continues to keep himself in the best shape possible, undertaking new activities – such as yoga – to improve his game, while things remain busy at home as well, he and his wife having welcomed their third child during the offseason, as he completes an MBA degree at the same time. Add to that the French lessons he's been taking for a few months now.
A natural leader
Although the Impact may not have a captain, it does have a group of leaders it can rely on, and Evan Bush is an important part of that core. As a leader, he knows how influential his conduct can be to those around him during the season.
“If I lose that edge, maybe the guys around me lose that edge,” explained Bush. “I don’t want to do that. I don’t want to set that tone in the locker room. I know that the way I approach games and trainings are very important, not only for myself, but for those around me. If I were to slip up or start approaching it differently, it would be detrimental for everybody.”
After starting every regular-season game last year for the Impact, Bush has once again started the first three contests for the club, earning two wins and allowing just four goals. He and the club will now be back in action on Saturday, March 30, at 3pm EDT, to take on Sporting Kansas City at Children’s Mercy Park (TVA Sports, TSN, CTV, 98.5, TSN 690).
