March 14, 2016
This time last season, it was already apparent that the Philadelphia Union had a goalkeeping problem.
The club was coming off a 3-3 draw at Real Salt Lake, and would go on to concede six more goals in three straight losses. Backstopper Rais Mbolhi was benched and the club sunk to bottom of the Eastern Conference table with a thud.
Fast forward about 340 days, and goalkeeping actually looks to be a position of strength for this team. You could even argue that it's the strongest spot on the field.
Andre Blake made six saves in the Union's 2-1 win against Columbus Saturday night, a franchise-first victory after slumping to six prior losses and a draw at MAPFRE Stadium.
"He’s been huge in both matches," said winger Chris Pontius, who scored both goals in Saturday night's win. "We’ve asked a lot of him. The first two games, he kept us in that game against Dallas and did the same (against Columbus). Can’t say enough about the guy, he’s come up with some big, clutch saves."
"That’s part of my job, to do whatever I can to keep my team in the game," said Blake of his performance. "Confidence-wise, every time you get a win, that’s great. Every time you make a save, make a play for your team, that’s great. I think, for me, that’s mainly the mental part of it. In practice you work hard, you train, you do the physical part, but in the game you have to stay locked-in, and that kind of helped me with my confidence."
Blake's best save of the game came just before halftime.
Columbus winger Hector Jimenez got into the box after a nice buildup play in the left channel, but the goalkeeper got down quickly to redirect a low shot that looked destined for the back of the net.
That's not easy to do, especially for taller goalkeepers. Blake is generously listed at 6'4", but he's probably closer to 6'2". He's got that long and lean Caribbean build, with a wide wingspan and natural skill in the air. His length and reach makes stretch saves look easy, but he also gets to the ground faster than you'd expect, and that might be his most impressive quality.
One person who's certainly aware is his national team coach, Winfried Schaefer, who praised the goalkeeper in a rare Twitter take.
@baller_shavar @andreblake29,his development from the reserve goalkeeper to the number "one"
— Winfried Schaefer (@WinniSchaefer) March 14, 2016
is fantastic!he has everything done in one year
Blake now leads the league with 14 saves in two games.
He also leads the league in 17 shots faced.
On one hand, you've got a stud goalkeeper who's playing at a high level. On the other hand, your defense has allowed more shots than anyone else in the league. It's disconcerting, but not entirely surprising, given the fact that the Union has had to start the season on the road against two of the better scoring teams in the league.
"He’s been huge in both matches," said winger Chris Pontius, who scored both goals in Saturday night's win. "We’ve asked a lot of him. The first two games, he kept us in that game against Dallas and did the same (against Columbus). Can’t say enough about the guy, he’s come up with some big, clutch saves."
John Hackworth and his technical staff traded up to grab Blake with the #1 overall pick in the 2014 draft. In that first season, he sat on the bench behind Zac MacMath, who then sat on the bench behind Mbolhi. In less than eight months, the league's top draft pick was sitting in the stands as a third-choice goalkeeper.
It seemed like that might change in 2015, but Blake picked up a leg injury after Mbolhi was benched. Instead of getting his chance to start, he was sidelined while John McCarthy and loanee Brian Sylvestre covered in net.
That's a book-worthy story in itself, but the fact now is that Blake is a critical member of this squad.
"It’s very important (to know that), but it can also serve as a distraction," Blake said. "I’ve been in this situation before. It’s always good that whenever your number is called, whenever you get the job, just make sure that you’re ready, that you’re prepared, you’re willing to do whatever it takes to help your team."
