Out with the old and in with the not-so new will be Chicago's theme in goal for 2008. The 2007 starting goalkeeper, Matt Pickens, has departed the club to live out his European dreams. Jon Busch will assume the No. 1 goalkeeper spot, with a bit of competition from three other young 'keepers.
"We brought Busch in last season to push Matt," Fire assistant/goalkeeping coach Daryl Shore said. "We always felt like we had two No. 1 goalkeepers. We also have young guys pushing for that spot.
"It's bittersweet," Shore continued. "We'll move on and be fine. Matt was a solid goalkeeper who would have had a bright future in Chicago. This is a business. It was great to see him grow for four years."
Along with Busch, in camp the Fire will have Nick Noble, Dominic Cervi (University of Tulsa) and Melford James Jr. (Montevallo University). Noble, the West Virginia native, returns for his second season with Chicago. The Fire will keep three of the four come opening day.
"We're confident in Jon's abilities," Fire head coach Denis Hamlett said. "We've always had two No. 1 goalkeepers, where they challenge and push each other. Cervi did well at the combine and got an invite to the U-23's. James is also a talented goalkeeper. They'll all battle it out."
Busch brings six years of experience into the fight for No. 1 position. He spent the majority of his career with the Columbus Crew. Overall the 31-year-old has played in 87 league matches, recording a 36-26-23 record, making 382 saves and allowing 109 goals for a 1.67 GAA. He was the Crew's No. 1 for two consecutive years before going down to injury in 2005. It's been a battle since then, but he said he's ready.
"Last year was a big year for me health-wise," Busch said. "I didn't miss a single day of training. I'm fully fit and ready to go."
At the same time, Busch knows the No. 1 spot isn't exactly written in stone.
"We've got four good goalkeepers here," he said. "You can't think you're No. 1. When you're comfortable, that's when you get knocked off the top of the hill."
Pickens leaves the Fire after four years. He spent 2006-07 earning himself a starting spot in the lineup. After 2007 he had every intention to return to the Fire, but while renegotiating with the Fire and training with the U.S. national team, he had an offer he couldn't refuse.
Pickens was given the opportunity to train with Norwich City in England. He headed over to see what would happen. A couple of weeks later, he's on his way back and is now expected to join Queens' Park Rangers this week.
"If I had no European options, I'd be back in a Fire uniform," Pickens said. "I'd be a fool not to go to Europe when I have my chance. I don't want to look back and wonder what if. I have the chance, and I have to take it."
There was speculation that the Fire weren't making a decent offer for Pickens or that having him back wasn't a priority. He was out of contract, something that was commonly known. But while Chicago wanted to hold on to their goalkeeper, they also had to find a new head coach -- and soon.
"The Fire needed to look for a head coach," Pickens said. "I understood that. I totally respected that. I was very happy about the final offer they made. Honestly, it doesn't matter how much money they offered, I had an opportunity to play in England. And I had to take it."
The truth is, the Fire wanted him back. And part of Pickens wanted to be back. But the offer to play in England was too great.
"Matt's a guy we wanted back," Hamlett said. "He had aspirations to play in Europe and we wish him nothing but the best. He's a great professional, a great 'keeper."
Chicago will now look to Busch and its three young 'keepers to keep the net clear for 2008.
Kathryn L. Knapp is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
