I sat down with Union Goalkeeper Andre Blake on Thursday to discuss the Philadelphia Union, Jamaica, and playing goalkeeper at the professional level.
Blake had yet another fantastic game (Photo courtesy of Charlotte Thomas)
The Union sit tied in first with 6 points from 3 games. Blake felt, “it is a good spot to be in, but come October we can be in the same spot, we just got to keep working hard, and doing the things that we have been doing right.” Blake has high ambitions with the Union and for country, his goal this year is “winning a title with the Union, and making it to the final round of qualifiers with Jamaica.”
Last year, Jamaica stunned CONCACAF, and made it to the Gold Cup finals. World Cup Qualification has brought on a new set of challenges for the fledgling side. The Reggae Boyz are a point behind Panama, with games left at Panama, and hosting lowly Haiti. Blake isn’t worried, however.
When asked about their chances in World Cup Qualification, Blake was honest but optimistic. “Our back is against the wall, but I know the guys are capable of getting a result in Panama and returning to Jamaica and getting another result. We know it won’t be easy, but these guys function better when we know we have to perform and get a result. We don’t need motivation anymore, we know exactly what we have to go out and do.”
Blake and his Jamaican teammates seem to have a great understanding and respect for one another. Two weeks ago when Blake squared off against fellow countryman Je-Vaughn Watson and the New England Revolution, Watson was sent off in the first half.
After being sent off, Blake walked over to him, gave him a pat on the back and said, “Keep [your]head up, its part of the game, [you]shouldn’t be too hard on yourself.”
On Saturday April 2nd the Union fly to Chicago to take on the Fire. Last time these teams met they played to a thrilling 3-3 draw. When asked about how his game plan will change Blake replied, “I don’t think he will change much. I know the guys are working hard and will do whatever [Philadelphia Union head coach] Jim [Curtin] wants. We’re gonna go out there and respect them as a team, but at the same time play to our strengths and play into their weaknesses.”
He is, however, getting himself ready in a tighter time frame.”It’s going to be a tough game, I’m going to go back and watch some more clips tonight. I just got back last night [from international duty], and have to get mentally prepared. I am going to focus on where their strengths are so I can be prepared for the game.”
Blake looked more than prepared in the last few games. In fact it seemed he could do no wrong, having put in a string of fantastic performances.
He still felt though there were some challenges ahead of him. “I want to keep working on pretty much everything. I don’t want to focus too much on my strengths, but fix my weaknesses. I work every day so I don’t get complacent with what I have.”
Andre has shown extreme proficiency in both shot stopping and claiming crosses since cementing himself as a starter. Blake felt he had done a lot to get himself to this point over the last 2 years. “I’ve improved in pretty much every area. Crossing in college is a lot different than here. The balls come into the box and you don’t get as much pressure. I’ve had to work at moving my feet quicker to get to balls I couldn’t reach earlier.”
Beyond technical ability, Blake has improved mentally as well. “I’ve needed to step up my mind game a notch. With grown professionals you need to make your mind up, one second can make a big difference in this league. Once you work hard and get the right foundation, it comes down to the mental part. Everyone in this league can play, we’re all professionals, so it comes down to who can claim the mental game each time you go on the pitch.”
At 25, Blake is still in his early goings as professional goalkeeper. As a child, he looked up to Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Saar. Van Der Saar competed at the highest level until he was 41. Blake seems to resemble the Dutch star in build and athleticism. Andre has a long, industrious career in front of him; hopefully one that includes multiple titles with the Union, and also some World Cup appearances.
To close things out, I asked Blake where he goes in Philly to get a taste of home. If you take his word for it, the place to go is the Jamaican Jerk Hut on South Street, and the thing to order is rice and beans with Jerk Chicken.
Blake ended our conversation with a comment for the fans, “keep doing what you’re doing, being the twelfth man is what keeps us going.”
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