Philadelphia Union determine Andre Blake furthered his case as Major League Soccer’s finest goalkeeper after an excellent efficiency towards Nashville SC on Sunday.
Blake performed a vital function in holding off the hosts within the first half, making 4 surprising clearances. His shining second got here with a point-blank response save to Muyl’s strike from simply six yards out.
Regardless of their finest efforts, Nashville merely couldn’t get previous the Jamaican nationwide.
“He’s the most effective goalkeeper within the league,” Philadelphia Union head coach Jim Curtin mentioned after the sport. “He confirmed that at present.”
“The way in which the goalkeeper performed – you see why Blake is without doubt one of the high goalkeepers within the league, if not the most effective,” added Nashville head coach Gary Smith. “He was inspiring.”
Even Nashville defender Alex Muyl agreed.
“He made an unbelievable save. I simply needed to make good contact, I did, and I assumed it was over. However he made an unbelievable save. There’s not rather more I can do however give him credit score.”
Blake first joined the Union in 2014 after being chosen as first general within the MLS SuperDraft. He turned the primary goalkeeper in league historical past to be taken first general in a draft.
He made only one look throughout his rookie season, earlier than occurring to develop into a vital a part of the group. Blake now stands as a two-time MLS Goalkeeper of the 12 months, incomes the titles in 2016 and 2020.
He’s managed 4 clear sheets to this point this season, and has conceded simply six objectives. Regardless of Nashville’s 15 makes an attempt, Blake solely conceded the eighty fifth minute penalty.
However after an MVP efficiency, Blake credited the group for incomes a street draw.
“That’s what we actually do finest,” Blake mentioned. “We prefer it when no person offers us an opportunity. However we all know what we’re able to doing. We’re a quiet, assured group. Now we have a gaggle of fellows who actually thrive in these moments and we did precisely that tonight.”
