Jamaica international Andre Blake (pictured) started his Philadelphia Union career in 2014. (Photo: AFP Services)
PHILADELPHIA -- For Andre Blake, signing a new multi-year contract with the Philadelphia Union is a win-win-win situation for himself, his club and his country.
The Jamaica international, who had earned the interest of several European clubs, will remain close enough to home in order to play in competitions such as the new CONCACAF League of Nations.
"It's been great that [I] can play for my club and my country, getting more games as a goalkeeper growing my craft," he said Wednesday. "Every time I am able to put on the colors of my country, it's always a positive. The more games I can get as a goalkeeper, it's better for me. I'm just trying to make the best of every opportunity as I go forward."
A finalist for the CONCACAF goalkeeper and player of the year honors, Blake led the Reggae Boyz to the Gold Cup final, while securing Golden Glove and Best XI awards.
He also built on a breakout 2016 in which he was named Major League Soccer’s top goalkeeper, recording nine shutouts in 2017.
In fact, Blake is prepared to become a team leader.
"I'll lead in my own way and I'll definitely try to lead by my performance on the field and the way I carry myself off the field," commented the former University of Connecticut standout. "If I should ever be put in the role to lead the team, I'll be ready."
At 27, he is just getting into his prime, but realizes there’s more to do.
"It's an always a work in progress," Blake finished. "There's a lot still there for me to develop and get better at."
