MLS roundup

Adidas signs 10-year deal with league worth an estimated $150 million

HERZOGENAUROCH, Germany (AP) -- Major League Soccer signed a 10-year deal with German sportswear manufacturer Adidas that will make the company the U.S. league's sole official athletic sponsor and licensed supplier.

The announcement was made by Adidas managing director Erich Stamminger to company shareholders. The deal is worth an estimated $150 million.

Adidas, along with Nike, have been official MLS uniform suppliers since MLS began in 1996. Reebok, Puma and Atletica also supply teams. The contracts with Nike, Reebok, Puma and Atletica will expire after the 2004 season.

Adidas also has sponsorship deals with the Kansas City Wizards, D.C. United and Columbus Crew of MLS, as well as such international clubs as Real Madrid, AC Milan, Bayern Munich and Ajax Amsterdam.

Crew's Busch named MLS Player of the Month

NEW YORK (Ticker) -- Columbus Crew goalkeeper Jon Busch, who posted two shutouts and a 0.75 goals against average, was named MLS Player of the Month on Tuesday.

Busch was 4-0-0 with two shutouts for the month and made a total of 17 saves to help the Crew take over the lead in the Eastern Conference.

The third-year pro saved three shots in a 1-0 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes on September 8 and made two saves late in the game to preserve a 1-0 victory against D.C. United on September 25.

Busch leads MLS goalkeepers with 11 wins and ranks second with 123 saves and nine shutouts. He ranks fourth all-time in goals against average (1.23), fourth in winning percentage (59.5) and eighth with 18 shutouts in only 65 career games.