It’s been a special year for Philadelphia Union Homegrown Andrew Rick. So far in 2024, he has signed a first team deal with his boyhood club, earned a high school diploma from YSC Academy, and made his Major League Soccer debut – in that order.
On Saturday, he added a new milestone to that list, keeping his first-ever MLS clean sheet to secure a 0-0 draw.
As is club custom for shutout, the Philadelphia Union goalkeeper corps enjoyed with doughnuts on Sunday morning. The treat was supplied by Director of Goalkeeping Phil Wheddon, marking the first of such celebrations spurred by Rick.
The match was Rick's third start for the first team, and just his second at home in front of a packed Subaru Park. Even so, the fans in the stands had already crafted chants of encouragment for him, helping push he and his team through what was a battle until the final whistle.
“It's amazing – I dreamed of playing on this field. When I was a kid I'd come here and watch the fans cheer on all the other goalkeepers, so to already have chants in three games…it really means a lot to me and I appreciate it,” Rick said.
Rick finished the rivalry match against New York Red Bulls with five saves, including a game-sealing dive in stoppage time.
He’s been preparing for his moment in the spotlight for years, climbing the club's pathway from the pros from junior academy onwards. But when asked about the experience so far, he first credited his performance to the unwavering support he's received from his teammates.
“The players have welcomed me, they give me confidence on the field. They cheer me on when I make a save. I mean, I can't ask for better teammates, and I hope we get out of this tough situation.”
At 18 years old, Rick is one of the youngest players on the first team roster, but his age hasn't detered his teammates from rallying behind him.
Centerback Damion Lowe was back in the starting group for the first time since departing for Copa America where he represented Jamaica, and he'd never lined up alongside Rick until Saturday. Before the game, the 31-year-old centerback caught up with his young teammate, ensuring Rick knew he had his support.
“I was telling him, ‘You're the boss, you have to demand from us, keep us alive, push us.’ He came up with like three big saves especially in the first half with the two breakaways. He's a kid destined for greatness,” Lowe said. “For us, we'd love to basically show him that we believe in him…that he's the rock behind us, and we are the rock in front of him. It goes hand in hand, and today, he had a man of the match performance.”
Three-time MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Andre Blake is on the mend from a meniscus injury and eyeing a return soon. He'll take over as net protector upon his recovery, but regardless of whether or not Rick will be back in net this summer, the experience he’s gained has been invaluable and will undoubtedly pay off in dividends as he continues his development at the club he's called home for the better part of a decade.
