Andre Blake has flexed his muscles since taking over the starting job for Philadelphia in 2016. In his first full season as the starter, Blake was an MLS All-Star and named Goalkeeper of the Year. The Jamaican international recorded tremendous success in 2016, with two of his stellar performances coming against Columbus Crew SC.
On Saturday, Blake will square off against Columbus yet again. In his career, the goalkeeper has been outstanding against the Crew, owning a 2-0-0 record and has allowed just two total goals in two all-time meetings with both victories happening on the road in Columbus.
His first career appearance against Columbus came on March 12, 2016. In the match, Blake was a force for the Union, as the big man in net made six saves while pitching a shutout for the club in the first 86 minutes of action. Despite giving up a goal in the 87th minute, Blake and Philadelphia left with a 2-1 win in Columbus.
Fast forward to August 24, 2016 it was Blake yet again coming up big for Philadelphia. Blake kept Columbus off the scoreboard for the first 72 minutes of the match and came up with monumental saves down the stretch as the Union yet again left Columbus with a 2-1 win.
The Union will look for a big performance from Blake as Columbus comes to town for the club’s second match of the season. Fans will want to keep their eye on Blake as he looks to replicate his success against the Crew at Talen Energy Stadium at 2 p.m.
