Cleveland City Stars News Release - www.clevelandcitystars.com

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

CLEVELAND, OH -- 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.