Buschy's Blog sponsored by Sells USA

Looking Forward

2008-11-14T10:44:00Z

Well my friends our season ended last night with a 2-1 loss to Columbus in the conference finals. It is a tough one to swallow but my hat is off to the Crew. They are a good team and I wish them luck in the cup. I truly felt that we were going to win that game. We just had a 6 min period in the second half when they got the better of us. We just need to learn from this for next year. I am very proud of my team, we really came together this season.

No one gave us a chance and we finished second in the east and beat New England in the first round of the playoffs. We posted two cleansheets in that series. I am already looking forward to next season, we have a great core of kids here who can really play.
As far as me personally I think I did pretty well. I proved I am healthy again and can play every game. I was voted mvp of the fire and gk of the year in the league. I am really happy with that one because it is voted on by the players and coaches, so it means alot to have my peers vote for me. Now it is time to finish up in Chicago and get home and spend some quality time with my wife. Oh yea and I have to get back to my gk academy and train some gks. No rest for me.
I want to say thank you to all the TGBers for all your support this season, you guys have been great. I will be blogging with you guys again soon.

all the best
buschy

Crunch Time

2008-10-07T19:41:00Z

We are entering the last few weeks of the regular season and its all getting very interesting. Not one team is out of the playoffs as of today. Some have better chances then others but all still have some hope. We are sitting in 3rd in the East, 1 point behind New England. Columbus has kept hold of that top spot in the east for a few weeks now and are almost certain to win the Supporters Shield(best record). We are trying to jump into second so that we can get home field advantage in the playoffs. We had a great chance to do that this past weekend in KC with a win but had to settle for a 1-1 draw. Chances were hard to come by in this game because the field is the size of a shoe box. Its very hard to try and play on that field so most of the game is spent hitting long balls.

We have had five other games since the last time I wrote. We are 2,3,1(w,l,t) in those games. We lost in Houston 2-1 in a hard fought game, then beat NY 1-0 in Chi. Then we dropped our next 2, in Colorado and at home to Dallas. Next we beat LA 3-1 before this last tie against KC. So as you can see we had a little drop in form for a few weeks but I think we have sorted it out for the playoff run. I will say that our defense has been fantastic minus 1 game, but hey every team has one of those games. The big challenge for us in the next few games and into the playoffs is if we can finish our chances. When we play our best football we are one of the top teams in the league knocking the ball but we have to show more consistency from game to game with that. If we do that, we will have a good run at it. But first we have to finish the season off strong. We have the Crew coming up here this weekend, then we go to Toronto and finish at home against NY. We just need a few more points to lock up a spot in the playoffs so hopefully we can take care of that this weekend an d be able to rest some guys if need be. Other than that it is just another week here in the windy city.

On another note can someone please tell me what in the hell is going on in Newcastle. They are one big mess and it is not good times being a fan. It seems to me that Mr. Wise is behind the scene stirring the pot. They should have just left KK alone to manage the team. I wonder if Shay Given wishes he had left during the summer.

Ok, got to run.
Until next time.

buschy

Plugging Along

2008-08-26T17:14:00Z

Well we are into the second half of the season and it continues to go well. Through the last five games we have been flip flopping first place in the East with New England and the Crew. We are all keeping pace with each other. I have a feeling this will continue all the way till the end of the season, makes for an exciting race to the playoffs. We started after the break with a hard fought 0-0 draw in KC. This was a tough game for us because the field there is tiny, like a shoe box. So small in fact that I was credited with 2 shots on goal from my long balls, ha. Next we squeaked out a 1-0 win at home against Chivas.

Then a huge win in New England, 2-1. This one was big because with 15 min. to go in it we were down 1-0. We got two late goals to win it and sweep the regular season meeting with them. Next we had a disappointing loss at home to DC, 1-0. We played pretty well but made one mistake on a corner kick in the first half and that was the difference. Next time we will make sure to mark Fred on the back post, ha.

After that we traveled to LA to face the Galaxy, without Beckham or Landon. It was Bruce's first game in charge of them. We really played well for the entire 90 min. We ended up wining 1-0 on a great goal by the hometown boy John Thorington. So through these five games we have given up 2 goals with 3 cleansheets, to bring our season total to 9. I haven't had anything crazy to do, just the usual work. Our defense is playing great and they are really buying into getting cleansheets. So that is nice for me. As long we continue to keep it tight in the back I think we will be in good shape heading into the playoffs.

So the EPL has started and my boy Shay Given is in fine form already. I have a gut feeling that this is going to be one of his best seasons ever. Mark my words.

Until next time,

buschy

All Star Break

2008-07-22T14:52:00Z

Well friends I am home for a few days off for the All Star break, so I figured it was a good time to get you all up to date on everything. Since the last time, we have had 4 games, 3 ties and 1 win. First a 0-0 with San Jose, then a 2-2 tie with the Crew, next a 2-1 win over Toronto and finally a 0-0 with Salt Lake. So we are still in alittle bit of a rut scoring goals and in playing consistent. Some of these games we have played some very good football and at other times, such as the first half of of the Salt Lake game we have played poorly. I honestly feel that we are the best passing and possession team in the league, when we get it right. We have the players to keep the ball on the pitch and get it moving. But as of late we haven't been doing this enough in games. I just think we need a little luck to get us back to where we were in the first nine games of the season. We had a very good chance in our last game to close the gap on New England and Crew if we could have gotten 3 points, but Salt Lake came into Chicago and played well, with a stingy defense. We still have a game in hand on both Crew and Revs but we need to start taking advantage of these games. As for my personal game, it has stayed consistent, and I am very pleased with that. I will be honest, the Crew game in Columbus was hard for me. I tried to down play it all week, but once I got out there I wanted to make sure I played well for all the fans that still support me there. We started great in that game, 2-0 in 30 min. but ended up tied at the end. I was glad to get that game over with. I guess after playing in Columbus for 5 years these things happen, now it is over and next time it will be just another game.

I want to thank everyone for voting for me for the all star game. I finished second overall in the gk voting, just behind Matt Reis. Unfortunately Steve Nicol(all star coach) decided to choose Pat Onstad as the reserve gk. I can't argue with this choice because Pat is a good friend of mine and a quality gk. He is having a good season. I was a bit bummed at first because it would have been cool to play against West Ham, but also because we have the best defensive team in the league. We have the least goals conceded, seen the most shots, and tied for most shutouts. All that and we didn't get any defenders on the 18 man roster. How is that? I think our entire back line should be starting that game. There are alot of quality players in this league, ones that are far better than me, but I believe that all star team should be picked solely on what you have done that season. Oh well, gives me a few days off to spend with th e wife.

Well its been a good first half of the season and I am looking forward to an exciting second half. Stay tuned for more:

Bit of a rough patch...

2008-06-21T19:36:00Z

So it has been a few weeks since my last blog and alot has gone on. After starting 6-2-1 in our first 9 games,we have hit a bit of a skid. We have lost our last 3 games. We first lost to DC 2-1 on a injury time goal. This was a tough one to deal with because we were playing at home and we gave up a late goal because we lost our shape in the back pushing for the game winner. We got caught one v one in the back and Emilo took advantage of it. It was tough for me because I played my best game of the season during that game. We should have tied that game 1-1.

Next we played Columbus in the Open Cup and beat them in OT 3-2. It was a typical open cup game, back and forth with both teams having chances to win it. We got a penalty kick with 5 minutes left in the second OT to win it and eliminate them. Next we traveled to Dallas for a Sunday afternoon game in 100 degree heat. We lost that game 1-0. We didn't play that well as a team but still should have tied that game 1-1. I had 9 saves that game so it was another busy one for me. From there we went to Cali to play Chivas on Thursday night. We lost to them 2-0. We started well but couldn't finish our chances. We played the entire second half a man up and couldn't seem to test there goalkeeper. So we are in a little bit of a rut but, in this league every team goes through this during the season.

The good thing on a personal level is that I am playing really well. I think I am playing the best I have ever played in the MLS. I am hoping that my form will possibly get me a chance with the National team again. Hopefully I am not the Robert Green of the USA, haha. I would love just to get back in to the camp. This would complete my comeback from my knee in my opinion. It would give me the final say to so many people who doubted that I would return to my best. Chewie knows who I am talking about, haha.

On another note, or rumor. If my boy Shay Given goes to Arsenal, they will win the league. Yes I said it, mark my words, boys. He is the gk they have been missing. Although I am not sure if I can cheer for them but will try if Shay goes there.

That's it for now, got to go watch the Dutch play Russia.

All the best

buschy

Defense making it easy

2008-05-14T11:32:00Z

Well my friends it has been a few weeks since we have talked and things are going well. After the whole Chewie incident we have rattled off 3 wins. First was a home game against Colorado which we won 2-1. We played well but gave up a late goal to make it interesting. I think the goal was off sides but wasn't called. Next we went to New England and played very well up there and won 3-0. Our total team performance was amazing. Our commitment to defending from the entire team was the difference and they couldn't match it. Next we went to DC for the Thursday night TV game. These are always hard games in DC because the atmosphere there is great. We got two second half goals and won 2-0. Again our total team commitment to defending made the difference. Every player is doing there job on defense, it is making my job easy. The boys love getting those cleansheets. We now have 4 in 7 games. W e have only given up 3 goals and one was an own goal in the first game of the season. We have a good team here and as long as we don't start reading the positive articles about us we will continue to play well. It is very early in the season so we just have to keep taking it one game at a time. As for my personal game, I think I am doing well. The team is making it easy for me right now, only a few routine saves a game and a few crosses.

To change topics what an ending to the EPL season. I watched the Chelsea game, what was Petr thinking wearing that outfit, haha. How about the American boys at Fulham staying up. Timmy at Everton had a great season as well. I am now looking forward to the Euro cup in a few weeks.

Well that's it for now.

All the best

buschy

Jinxed by Chewie...

2008-04-21T13:40:00Z

Well after a good start to our season we took our first lost yesterday. We had won 2 and tied 1 game and had only given up one own goal in the first three. Some we played well in and some we didn't but we were picking up points. Then yesterday we totally dominated Kansas City and lose 1-0. I take my hat off to Hartman he played well but we should have won 3-1 easily if we finish our chances. Saying that I take full responsibility for the goal. TO BE HONEST I THINK IT IS CHEWIE'S FAULT. HAHA Just last week he was saying how well I was playing and hadn't made any mistakes, he jinxed me. Thats the last time I listen to anything he says.

No but really it was a fluky goal. When we warmed up they had just watered the field so the ball was skipping and sliding like crazy. So the field was playing fast and I knew balls would skip into me. When we start the game the field is already dry. Of coarse the first long ball that I come out for and expect to skip to me doesn't. Instead it sticks in the dry grass and I get caught in no mans land. So I take the blame on this one. I just wish they had watered the field again after warmups, then I might be talking about 3 straight cleansheets, haha. Oh well this happens to goalkeepers. The positive thing from the game was how well we did play, besides the finishing part. We moved the ball around well and took it to them. I think we are building something very special here.

On another subject. I watched ManU vs Blackburn the other day and what a game Brad had. If it wasn't for him
Manu would have rolled over Backburn. Good to see him playing well.

Well now its time to move on and start to think about our next game against the Rapids on Saturday night.

Unitl next time

buschy

MLS season begins

2008-04-13T17:00:00Z

We are 3 games into the MLS season and so far things are going well for the Chicago Fire and myself. We started out with 1-1 draw in Salt Lake the first week. That was a tough game to play because they play on turf and it isn't the best turf. So the ball plays very fast. The goal was an own goal, so technically that shouldn't count, right? haha. Next we played New England at home and beat them 4-0. That was our home opener, so our fans went home happy.

This past weekend we went to San Jose for their home opener. It was nice and hot there(85) after training all week in sleet and rain in Chicago. It wasn't the prettiest football but we pulled out a 1-0 win. My back line was amazing, heading balls out, clearing balls and blocking shots. What a team performance defensively. We got a bit lucky at the end but hey you need that too. So we are 2-0-1. I know its very early in the season but the thing I like about our team is we are a family. We are all battling together, everyone is doing the dirty work, there is no cutting corners. That is very important in this league because the league is so balanced, team wise.

As for me personally, I think I have gotten off to a good start. My goal is simply to be consistent week in and week out. I think this is the sign of a quality gk. I don't want to have a great game one weekend and then crap the next. The best gks in the world do it every weekend. I think my handling has been good as well. Alot of the credit has to go to Daryl(gk coach). We have gotten into a nice routine each week and we work well together.
So, so far so good here in Chi town.

Until next time.

buschy

Back in the good Ole USA!

2008-03-16T05:07:00Z

Well my friends we are back from Mexico and have had a few days off to spend with the wife. It was a good trip. The second game against Necaxa was a big test. I have to say I was much busier than I was in the first game. I played the entire 90 minutes. It was a good test for my mental focus since it was my first full game all preseason. We played well and got a 1-1 tie out of it. I had alot more to do and was busy the entire game. I felt good about my entire performance from handling of shots, crosses and distribution. The crowd was great again, 22,000. We stayed at the Necaxa training facility and it was very nice. Two nice fields, a full weight room, game room and dorm style rooms. After that we headed to Mexicali for our last game. But once we got on the stadium field the day before the game our coaching staff decided that we weren't going to play the game because the field was very poor and could possibly cause injury. So we simply trained there for two days and then headed home.

It was a long trip, 18 days. It was nice to get home and see the wife for a few days. I think she forgot what I looked like, haha. Now I am back in Chicago and we head to Mississippi tomorrow morning for a week of training and they a game against Colorado on Sunday. That will be the last preseason game. We open up the season the following weekend in Salt Lake.
I am pleased with where I am at the present time. I think with another solid week of training with Daryl I will be 100% sharp and ready for the season. So we are almost there. I can see the finish line in sight so my focus has gotten more intense. I am expecting good things from the team as well as myself this year. I want to proof that I am back to my best like a few years ago before my knee injuries. I want to get back to the top of the mountain again and proof that I am still one of the best in the league. So stay tuned my friends for a fun ride.

all the best

buschy

South of the Border

2008-02-28T19:19:00Z

Hola from Mexico my friends. We have been here for a few days now and things are going well. The first few days we had training, two a days. Last night we played our first game against a club team from Culiacan. They are a second division team, I think. They weren't too bad. We started very well and could have been up 1-0 three minutes in but there gk made a very good save off a volley from Chris Rolfe. We controlled the first 35 minutes and got a goal from Chad Barrett. We got alittle tired the last ten minutes of the half. It is rather warm down here and they are in the middle of their season, so they are fit. We gave up a late goal just before half time. It was good header back across me, off the post and in. Other than that I only had to make a save or two and a few crosses that I collected cleanly. We started well again in the second half and had a few more good chances before we(sta rting 11) were all subbed. It was a good run for the starters and for me. It was nice to play abit longer than I did in Florida. It really made me work on my focus during the game. The only bad thing on the night was that one of our subs got a red card three minutes after coming on, so we played the last 20 minutes a man down.

The atmosphere was amazing, 25,000 fans chanting and singing all game. They all love Blanco down here. So every time he touched the ball they went nuts. It was a good result for us and nice to see the young boys hold on for us during that later minutes of the game. We have the morning off today and then back to training this afternoon. Our next game is on Wednesday against Necaxa. This will be a big test for us because they are a very good team. I will get the whole ninety minutes of that one. I am very excited for that one! So all in all so far this trip has been very g ood. My handling is sharp and my focus during the games has gotten better. The next game will be a big test for my concentration over an entire game. I will keep you guys updated.

All the best.
buschy

Pre Season Continues...

2008-02-21T15:58:00Z

We just got back from part one of preseason in Bradenton FL. We were there for two weeks. Its been a good start so far for us. After two days in Chicago doing physicals and fitness testing we headed south to get out doors and train. There were alot of new faces to get to know both on the players side and staff side. I think we had something like 35-40 players in and out during this time period. On the staff side Chris Armas is now a coach and Mike Jeffries has also been added to the staff. Dennis Hamlett has taken over as head coach and Daryl is again our gk coach. I have to say the staff did a great job with the training sessions. Sometimes early in preseason you get coaches that just run you to death but we got all of our fitness work with the ball, so it was nice.

In the gk department we have two new faces. Dominic and Mel or Jr. as we call him. They are both good young gks with good attitudes. Dom is a giant at 6-6. Along with myself and Nick(3rd gk last year) we have a good group. It has been a great atmosphere during our gk sessions and we all get on well of the field as well. It is going to be healthy competition all season long. Whichever gks become the second and third they will both push me for the starting spot, so I have to be on my game. As for my personal training, I feel good. Each day I felt sharper and more confident. My handling is clean, now its time to see more game action in the next phase of preseason.

While we were down there we played 5 games. We started with the U-17 National Team and beat them 3-1. The next day we played South Florida University and beat them 2-1. After a few more days of training we played Columbus Crew and beat them 3-2. Next we played Kansas City and tied 1-1. We finished up with Toronto and tied 1-1. I played in 3 or the 5 games but only 30 minutes each time. Daryl wanted to see the others to get a feel for them. Which was fine for me because it gave me more time to train and work on my handling. I think we have gotten off to a very good start with the games. We played some good soccer at times especially with all the new faces we were looking at. The other nice thing is we have a great group of guys and we all get on off the field, which is very important for team chemistry.

We now have a few days off until we head to Mexico on Sunday for "the Blanco tour",haha.

Until next time.

buschy

Back at it!!

2008-02-06T19:45:00Z

We friends I am back at it. I have been working really hard during the off season with my strength and conditioning coaches in Columbus. I have already seen the positive results. I have increased my vertical jump 5 inches. We put alot of time into plyo work during our 8 weeks. Also I worked in the weight room on my own twice a week during this period. The last 4 weeks I also started training again just 3 times a week. I kept the training simple with simple gk training with 2 other pro gks. On Monday the 4th I reported to Chicago for our physicals and today we did all our fitness testing and then had media day in the afternoon. Tomorrow we are heading to Bradenton FL to start training. We are there for two weeks, from the 6th until the 20th. We will have a few games while we are down there. Matt has signed in England so it is me, Nick Noble and two gks we drafted from college.
This is an exciting time of year because everyone has a fresh start. We have a great mix of older and younger players.

Also we have a new coach in Dennis Hamlet. He has been an assistant here for 10 years, so the transition should be an easy one. I am happy for him to get the chance to lead us. I am also happy that our gk coach, Daryl Shore, is back. I think we have a good relationship together and get on well. It will be fun to work with him again. I will continue to update you guys from Florida.

Until next time.

buschy

Season at an end...

2007-11-18T23:37:00Z

Well another MLS season is complete. Houston has just won back to back cups. Congrats to Pat Onstad. This shows that a total team effort wins championships. Pat is 39 years old and still winning, wow. That is amazing.

It has been an exciting year in the MLS with the designated player. In Chicago we added Blanco and in LA they added some guy named Beckham, haha. Blanco was a great guy to play with and a good laugh in the locker room. He is also fun to train against when he is practicing free kicks. After a slow start in Chicago our new coach Juan got us on track. We finished with a 10 game unbeaten run until we lost in the conference finals 1-0 to New England. It was a let down not to make it all the way to the finals with the way we were playing but we had a great second half to the season. With Juan leading us and the core of our team coming back next season I am very excited for next season. We have a solid defensive team and as we saw today defense wins cups. As for me personally I really enjoyed my first season in Chicago.

I remained healthy the entire season and after the past two years that was huge for me. I enjoyed working with Daryl. He is a good gk coach and runs a good session. We formed a nice relationship during the year. Obviously I would have liked to see more playing time but that is Juan's decision and I have to respect his choice. I was very happy with the way I trained and played when I was given my chances. I feel that I proved that I can still play at the level needed to be a starter again in the MLS. So I am looking forward to getting a shot at the No. 1 spot during preseason. That is a few months away so for now I will take some time off and spend some time with my wife. She spent the season in Columbus because of her job so we have to catch up. I am happy to be back in Columbus and looking forward to the holidays. I am hoping it will be a quiet off season for the first time in awhile....but this is the MLS. haha

Until next time.
Happy Holidays

buschy

Fighting for the playoffs....

2007-10-08T19:12:00Z

We are down to the last two weeks of the regular season and we are still fighting for the playoffs. Right now we are in the eight and final spot but we have Colorado, Galaxy and Columbus chasing us. As long as we get two points in our final two games we will be fine. We are playing good football right now or as Juan says "effective football." He really has gotten us on the right track. We are defending well as a team and taking advantage of our chances. If we can continue this in the playoffs we will be a hard team to beat. As for me I continue to wait, I have been training and playing well in reserve games. It seems like Matt is Juan's choice down the stretch. So it is out of my hands for now, all I can do is keep ready in case the team needs me. Daryl continues to do a good job preparing all three of us for each game. He knows the game well and allows me to teach Nick(3rd gk). I enjoy helping Nick, he is a young raw gk with an open mind and wants to learn. So I have enjoyed talking with him during the sessions, it reminds me of when I was a rookie and Scott Garlick would talk with me during sessions. I picked up so much from Scott and hopefully I and giving some of that back to Nick. I really think Daryl and I work well together and look forward to next season with him. Plus he is the only gk coach I have had that is shorter than me so I like that too, haha. It will be an exciting last few weeks in the league so stay tuned......

I have been enjoying the EPL these days now that it is back in full swing. There has been alot of talk about the form or lack there of from Paul Robinson. One mistake doesn't make him a bad gk but if this continues to happen then the coach needs to take a good look at it. How can he be England's first choice if he isn't in form? Also alot of talk about Shay Given and big Sam bringing in Jussi. I would hate to see Shay in another team but it is the coach that makes the choice. Plus Jussi is a very good gk. I first mentioned this to Chewie way before all the talk started about this. So I want to go on record and say I thought of this first, haha.
Well to all my gk friends enjoy your football.

All the best

Buschy

In the Final Stages

2007-09-06T19:18:00Z

We are in the final stages of the season and we find ourselves in a dog fight with Columbus and Colorado for the last two playoff spots. I think it is going to go all the way to the end of the season because it is so tight, we are two points off of both teams. Since my last blog we have gone on a good run, beat Toronto, Salt Lake and Kansas City, tied Columbus and lost to Kansas City in a crazy game. I am excited to say that in the middle of that run I got both Kansas City games, first at their place in a mid week game then at our place on the weekend. I was pleased with the way I played in both, the game in KC was a busy one for me. We were in good shape 1-1 midway through the second half until we received a red card. Then we lost it abit, but we continued to battle and almost tied 3-3. I think it was a good wake up call for us because the next game we shut KC down and won 2-0. Juan and Daryl were&n bsp;very pleased with the way I played in both games. Juan was pleased that I made saves in both games to keep us in them. The next game was against New York at their place and I really thought I would play but it was not meant to be. Juan decided to go back to Matt. I was disappointed but I really respect Juan as a coach so in my eyes it is his team and he makes the call. He is a very good coach and has us playing well, I am glad to be a part of it. We unfortunately lost in NY 1-0. If we would have won it would have jumped us above Columbus and Colorado in the standings. This weekend is a huge game at Columbus for us, not sure who will play so I am keeping my fingers crossed and working hard. I would love to go back to Crew Stadium and start against my old club. We shall see...

I do want to clarify one thing from my last blog. I never meant to question Daryl's ethics in anyway. He is a very good gk coach and I have really enjoyed training with him this season. We get along well and have good conversations about goalkeeping as well as life. He has done a good job in training all three of us this season.

I am also enjoying the start of the EPL season. In my eyes this is the best league in the world. Today I read the forum about Shay Given wanting to talk with Big Sam about not playing. I am torn on this, he is my favorite gk and I really want to see him back in the net but I also think that he should not just be put back in right away. He should have to earn it just like any other gk at any other club in the world. I am "old school" in my thinking that players should simply play. If they are doing the business in training than the coach will see this and play them when the time is right. I think this is the way it should be at any level or any club in the world. I am interested to see how Shay plays for Ireland this weekend.

That's all for now.

buschy