Every team needs an Evan Bush

An aging veteran who can provide leadership and be a mentor to younger players. A guy who can also still get it done on the field when his team needs him to step in and play. Every team needs a guy like this. Every team needs an Evan Bush.

When the Crew announced in December they had signed the veteran goalkeeper for another season, I’m sure it caught many fans by surprise. In a start against Real Salt Lake in mid-April last year, Bush suffered an arm injury that required surgery. A few months later, when he announced on social media he had reinjured his arm and would miss the remainder of the season, it looked like his 14-year career had come to an end. If you’re wondering why the Crew would bring back a soon-to-be 39-year-old coming off an injury, pay attention to the words of general manager Issa Tall,

"“Evan provides great depth and a wealth of knowledge to our goalkeeper group, as well as strong veteran leadership to our entire locker room.”"

Strong veteran leadership. Don’t underestimate the value of it. Veterans like Bush don’t just help with mentoring young players on the field, they give guidance on everything from properly taking care of your body to how to prepare for games. They are invaluable in this regard.

When he got the start against NYCFC last Saturday, it had been 341 days (give or take) since he had last appeared in a game for the Crew. Although he wasn’t challenged all that much by the Pigeons (no shots on goal), Bush showed he still has value as a player by turning in his 43rd career clean sheet in a scoreless draw. He directed traffic, distributed the ball well, and was decisive in coming out to smother loose balls in the 18-yard box that could have proved dangerous.

Whether it is providing veteran leadership or rising to the occasion when called on to start, every team needs an Evan Bush.