UNC Charlotte’s all-America goalkeeper Jon Busch has announced that he has decided to forego his senior season and turn professional. Busch will not return to school for the second semester, instead choosing to improve his game.
“It’s time to test out the next level,” said Busch, who led UNC Charlotte to the NCAA Final Four this past season. “I’ve gotten everything I can out of the college level… It was a great three years. It’s a little sad that it’s over, but this has been my dream since I was a young kid. It’s time to fulfill it.”
Busch recorded a career-high 12 shutouts in the ’96 season, including two in NCAA tournament play, and had a career-best 0.89 goals against average. He was Conference USA’s Defensive Player of the Year and a first team all-America selection.
“Jon had a great career at UNC Charlotte and played a huge role in our success,” said 49ers head coach John Tart. “We’re going to miss him, but we’re excited about his prospects for the future and hope he does well in his professional endeavors.”
Busch will attend the MLS Combine Jan. 30-31, which precedes the Feb. 3 MLS supplemental, before traveling to Europe for 6-8 weeks of training in England and Germany. He is also entertaining options with a pair of teams in the new A-League.
“I came in (to UNC Charlotte) with the idea of getting to the final four,” said Busch. “It took three years, but we made it there. I think I’ve built a good reputation for myself in the soccer world and, with the season we had, hopefully, my stock is a little higher.”