Evan Bush signs with Cleveland City Stars

[Johnny Utah]

The Cleveland City Stars have signed goalkeeper Evan Bush from the University of Akron. The native of Concord, OH played his high school ball at Lake Catholic High School in Mentor.A four-year starter for the nationally ranked Zips, Bush is the all-time leader in the Mid American Conference in career wins (62), shutouts (48), and goals against average (.60)."Evan played a significant amount of minutes in goal in high-pressure situations while at Akron," said Cleveland City Stars General Manager Mark Geissbauer. "He helped lead the team deep into the tournament as a freshman and Akron was nationally ranked throughout his career. We're thrilled to bring such a promising young keeper to our club and we look forward to Evan's contributions in 2009."In 2008, Bush started all 23 matches for Akron and posted a 17-2-4 record, including 13 shutouts, 60 saves and a conference-best .41 GAA. At the conclusion of his senior season, Bush was named all-Mid American Conference First Team and NSCAA all-Great Lakes Region.The lifelong native of Northeast Ohio looks forward to continuing his career in front of his hometown friends and family."I am excited to begin my pro soccer career in my home city of Cleveland in front of what I consider to be the best fan base in the league," said Bush.While at Akron, Bush was a three-time all-Mid American Conference first team selection. As a freshman in 2005, Bush was named the MAC newcomer of the year while also being recognized as a Freshman all-American when he was third in the nation with a GAA of .51.Bush helped guide the Zips to a 9th place national ranking in the final poll of 2008 and was invited along with top MLS draft pick Steve Zakuani to represent Akron at the MLS combine in January.The City Stars are coming into their 1st year in the USL 1st Division after winning the USL 2nd Division title last season. Cameron Knowles plays for the Portland Timbers; who are in the same league. The Fox Soccer Channel will be televising matches throughout the season on Thursday/Friday nights. Should be cool to see both of our alums on tv! Portland comes to Cleveland on May 9th.

[johnnyzip84]

If anyone questions the caliber of play in USL-1, just look at the success the Montreal Impact is having in the 1st CONCACAF Champion's League in 2008-2009. They had to beat out fellow USL-1 member Vancouver and Toronto FC from the MLS to qualify in the 1st place. Also, USL-1 teams have routinely beaten MLS teams in other open competitions such as the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. This will be very good for Evan.

[Z.I.P.]

If anyone questions the caliber of play in USL-1, just look at the success the Montreal Impact is having in the 1st CONCACAF Champion's League in 2008-2009. They had to beat out fellow USL-1 member Vancouver and Toronto FC from the MLS to qualify in the 1st place. Also, USL-1 teams have routinely beaten MLS teams in other open competitions such as the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. This will be very good for Evan.

It brings a tear to my eye to see real, educated football fans posting here on Zipsnation. Keep it up -- and I AM looking forward to seeing Evan AND Cameron on FSC this season. When does USL play begin?

[johnnyzip84]

If anyone questions the caliber of play in USL-1, just look at the success the Montreal Impact is having in the 1st CONCACAF Champion's League in 2008-2009. They had to beat out fellow USL-1 member Vancouver and Toronto FC from the MLS to qualify in the 1st place. Also, USL-1 teams have routinely beaten MLS teams in other open competitions such as the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. This will be very good for Evan.

It brings a tear to my eye to see real, educated football fans posting here on Zipsnation. Keep it up -- and I AM looking forward to seeing Evan AND Cameron on FSC this season. When does USL play begin?

I'm always been intrigued by the game, Z.I.P. But in the last 4-5 years I've become a lifelong fan. I follow it all....Futbol Argentino, The Prem, MLS, Serie A, etc. I even joined a few adult leagues, just to gain a better appreciation for "the beautiful game". Don't get me wrong, I'm still a huge football/hoops fan.....but soccer is very cool as well.USL-1 has their 1st games on April 11. Here is the link to the league site. Make sure to read the story on Evan!Linky

[ZachTheZip]

http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/r...ses/?id=3876953Bush finally got the start and put on a show, earning a shutout against the USL-1 defending champs. I know that not many pro soccer teams like to play rookies no matter how good they are, but the Stars have nothing to lose and Evan has just proven himself capable against top competition.

[Big Zip]

This is the City Stars first year at this division. Great to see Evan notching the shutout. This could be the beginning of something big for him. I was talking with a guy at work who told me the City Stars are a Christian organization and their players often offer their testimony during public appearances. I had never heard this before -- can anyone confirm?

[meatwad]

This is the City Stars first year at this division. Great to see Evan notching the shutout. This could be the beginning of something big for him. I was talking with a guy at work who told me the City Stars are a Christian organization and their players often offer their testimony during public appearances. I had never heard this before -- can anyone confirm?

I know that originally many players on the roster were from the local Christian High School CVCA. I think that the mission of the team started out as such, but they have since changed up a bit as far as I can tell. I could be mistaken though. I do believe at some point you were correct though.

[Z.I.P.]

This is the City Stars first year at this division. Great to see Evan notching the shutout. This could be the beginning of something big for him. I was talking with a guy at work who told me the City Stars are a Christian organization and their players often offer their testimony during public appearances. I had never heard this before -- can anyone confirm?

I know that originally many players on the roster were from the local Christian High School CVCA. I think that the mission of the team started out as such, but they have since changed up a bit as far as I can tell. I could be mistaken though. I do believe at some point you were correct though.

I know they have a number of non-profit connections to charitable organizations in Africa, but I don't think, and certainly hope there is no denominational requirement for participation with the team. Though this year they seem to be members of the Church of Sucking Football. What I can't figure out is how Cleveland City (like "the city's team") got pushed out to Bedford. They've been on Fox Soccer Channel 3 or 4 times this year, and I think lost every one.

[akronad]

Read an article in the PD yesterday that the team is up for sale. They took the team up a division and then the head coach left and took several of the key players with him. For the team to stay in their current division, they need a new owner by Sept. 1. The Stars are trying to get an extension. They have talked to 2 or 3 groups about buying the team and will speak with another potential buyer this week.Worse case scenario is that the team will be relegated to a lower division.