Busch happy to be back with Fire

Jon Busch left the Chicago Fire abruptly five years ago, cut just days before the start of the 2010 season.

He returned Monday, joining the Fire for its first day of preseason training.

"I never thought it would be a possibility," the 38-year-old goalkeeper said. "But to be quite honest when (Fire coach and director of soccer Frank Yallop) brought it up to me we were all for it and we're excited to be back and looking at forward to it."

After then-Fire coach Carlos de los Cobos let Busch go, Busch caught on with San Jose, where Yallop was the coach and Busch the No. 1 goalkeeper. San Jose let Busch go at the end of last season.

Yallop created an opening for Busch with the Fire last week when he traded No. 2 goalkeeper Kyle Reynish to the New York Red Bulls. Signing a contract is just a formality at this point.

Busch will back up Sean Johnson, who was a rookie when Busch was let go.

"Sean and I actually are real good friends," Busch said. "We talk all the time. We have a great relationship, and I'm excited to be back to train with him. He's the No. 1, no doubt about it."

Johnson is in Chile with the U.S. Men's National Team and missed training Monday. He could get called to the national team this summer. He also might look for a transfer to a European team at midseason.

"At the end of the day, if and when Frank needs me to play I'll play," Busch said before alluding to Johnson's options. "And if he doesn't I've got Sean's back and I'll help him any way I can. He's still young. We're still trying to develop him, even though he's been around now for five years. There's another level that Sean can get to and I want to help him be a part of that because I know what's out there for him."

The outspoken Busch was very popular with Fire fans before leaving. It was clear on social media he hasn't been forgotten.

"It's special. It's giving me goose bumps just thinking about them right now," Busch said.

CBA update:

Major League Soccer and its players union are working on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement after the old CBA expired Jan. 1. They hope to find agreement before the season starts in March.

"It's been an ongoing process," said Fire captain Jeff Larentowicz, a member of the MLSPU executive board. "In 2009 it was a more drawn-out, longer kind of thing. This time we're packing the sessions in. I'll actually be in two sessions tomorrow and Wednesday. They're coming thick and fast. At this point we're pretty far away, but history has shown that things speed up as the season comes closer."

Players have been talking tough the last few days, with some talking openly about a strike.

"The players as a group are incredibly unified," Larentowicz said. "I think last time our goals weren't as clear as they are this time. This time the goal is very clear, so it's easy to stand together. If it comes to the point where a strike would have to happen to get what we want, then I think we're all ready and prepared.

"It's not what we want - everyone wants to play soccer - however, this is a very principled, strong stance that we have right now."

What about Harry?:

With the Fire signing three attacking players to designated player contracts during the off-season, the odd man out of the starting lineup could to be second-year midfielder Harry Shipp. That could be especially true when Mike Magee and Patrick Nyarko return from injuries that will force them to miss the first month or two of the season.

Shipp isn't fretting about his situation.

"I honestly at this point don't know," Shipp said of his role on the team. "For me I'm focused on playing as well in practice as possible and if I play my best and play well I'll find a role for myself somewhere."

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