“The more I learned about the project and what was on offer here in Grand Rapids, the stadium I’m looking out over right now, it quickly became a no-brainer in terms of my interest.”
Since 2022, Erik Bushey led Major League Soccer’s NEXT Pro team, the Colorado Rapids 2, earning 2023 MLS NEXT Pro Coach of the Year and guiding the team to the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Cup final.
“You know, I started the program at the Colorado Rapids, but it was within a club, an existing club. This is a blank canvas, if you will. That’s what’s so exciting, so attractive about it.”
Bushey arrives in Grand Rapids with the second most wins in MLS NEXT Pro coaching history.
A native of Auburn, Washington, Bushey will relocate to with his partner, Cami, and three stepchildren to Grand Rapids from Denver.
“All of us need times in our lives to get out of our comfort zone. This is a big move and now is a good time, and I look at this as yes, maybe a tight-knit, smaller community in the grand scheme of things, but we expect to be a big club, and I’m happy to be a part of that.”
AC Grand Rapids’ inaugural home opener at Amway Stadium takes place on March 19th.
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