The Philadelphia Union has had a turbulent 2024 MLS Season. A big component of it has been star goalkeeper Andre Blake and his looming contract expiration.
Fortunately, the 3x MLS Goalkeeper of the Year has silenced some of the noise around the club’s current standing.
Andre Blake has had a pretty rough 2024 season. Blake has been unhealthy for the vast majority of the season with a nagging knee injury. The injury has not just kept him off the field but also kept him well below his normal standards while on it.
Simultaneously, Blake has sent waves throughout the Union community over the last few months. On multiple occasions, Blake has alluded to how he is unhappy with ownership’s lack of investment in the team. Blake’s comments have turned some heads among the fanbase, considering his contract is nearing its end.
However, fear not, as Blake has silenced any doubts about his future with the announcement of his contract extension.
The Cornerstone of the Franchise
Andre Blake has been one of, if not the most important, pieces of the Union’s rise to a powerhouse. Joining the Union as the number 1 pick in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft, Blake was integral to the Union’s growth. This not only led the club to its first-ever trophy in 2020 but also added 3 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year awards. Blake is the only player in MLS history to win the award three times.
Not only being relied on for his play on the field, Blake has also become a vocal leader of the Union locker room. Now, Blake is behind Ale Bedoya as the Union’s secondary captain. Blake also stands alone at the top in appearances for the club, with 283 caps and counting. It is truthful to say that the Union would not have had the success they have without the brick wall in goal.
Blake’s contract extension links him with the club through the 2026 season. Blake, who is 33 years old, will likely end up playing his entire professional career with the Philadelphia Union, a fact Union fans years ago would have been shocked to hear. Blame it on lack of interest or Blake’s home country of Jamaica having odd FIFA regulations; nonetheless, Blake was more than talented enough to make an impact in Europe.
Andre Blake already has his name carved into the Union’s ring of honor.
The only thing that remains to be seen is if he can add more trophies to the Union’s case before he hangs it up with the club.
PHOTO: Wes Shepherd/PHLSportsNation
Ryan Hall
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