The Columbus Crew announced today that goalkeeper Evan Bush will be retiring after the 2026 MLS season. A 15-year league veteran, Bush will leave behind stints with Vancouver Whitecaps FC, CF Montreal, and Columbus. Bush was a part of the Crew’s 2023 MLS Cup, Leagues Cup 2024, and 2021 Campeones Cup-winning teams.
“Eighteen years ago I chased a dream of being a professional soccer player,” Bush said in a social media statement.
“A dream that seemed untouchable as a kid growing up in Northeast Ohio. Today, after 18 years of living that dream, I am announcing my decision to (finally) call it a career on the field at the end of the 2026 season.”
Bush was named the Crew’s Humanitarian of the Year in 2025, demonstrating his commitment to serving the Columbus community and making a lasting impact in Central Ohio. He has also advocated for more awareness and support for Type 1 Diabetes.
Bush joined the Crew in December 2020 after a trade with the Whitecaps. He recorded one shutout in eight regular-season appearances. In 2025, Bush returned from a forearm injury he suffered the previous season and earned a 0-0 shutout against New York City FC. He went on to start six matches in 2025, recording two shutouts and 10 saves.
In 2021, he appeared four times in regular-season play and helped the Club win the Campeones Cup, posting a shutout in the 2-0 win over Cruz Azul. In addition, Bush has also recorded two shutouts in eight postseason appearances.
“To start in Ohio and end here has been part of the dream that even I couldn’t have envisioned. While I am hopeful for a strong finish to this regular season and a long postseason run, I wanted to let everyone know my intentions at this point so I can move forward through the remaining weeks with joy and a true appreciation for what is left.
“As there are so many people in my life, current and past, who deserve much more than a simple ‘thank you’ in this announcement, I will put off any truly reflective posts until the season actually ends. Until then, I look forward to enjoying every day I have left on the field!”
Bush made 184 regular-season appearances for CF Montreal from 2012 to 2020, tallying 41 shutouts. He led Montreal to three Canadian Championship titles (2013, 2014, and 2019), and helped the Club reach the 2014-2015 Concacaf Champions League Final, earning the Golden Glove award.
“On behalf of the Columbus Crew, we want to congratulate Evan for his wonderful career, as well as extending our gratitude for his contributions to the Club and the positive impact he has made both on and off the pitch,” General Manager Issa Tall said.
“Evan has been an important part of our organization and a proud ambassador of the Black & Gold. He has been an incredible mentor to everyone in the locker room, and we thank him for his dedication to the Club, his teammates, and the greater Columbus community.”
Bush will be honored before the Club’s final home game against D.C. United this Saturday, Oct. 31.
