Union will miss keeper Blake when he joins Jamaican team
Goalkeeper Andre Blake has not missed a game for the Union, and with a 1.10 goals-against average he is a major reason for their 4-3-3 start. The Union, however, will eventually have to do without Blake in Major League Soccer play.
Goalkeeper Andre Blake has not missed a game for the Union, and with a 1.10 goals-against average he is a major reason for their 4-3-3 start. The Union, however, will eventually have to do without Blake in Major League Soccer play.
When that happens is still up for debate, but Blake will miss time when he plays for Jamaica in the Copa America Tournament from June 3 to 26.
MLS teams will miss players for some games even though there is a break in league action during part of the tournament. The Union won't play from June 2 until June 18, when they will visit New York City FC. Jamaica will head to training camp later this month.
Lincoln Financial Field will host three Copa America games, including one on June 11, when the United States meets Panama.
Union coach Jim Curtin would not say how many games Blake would miss.
"We have a good idea when that will be, but for now it is game by game and he will be there against D.C. United, and we need three points," Curtin said Wednesday.
The Union will play United, one of their chief rivals, on Friday at Talen Energy Stadium.
The Union's next three games after that will be Wednesday at Orlando, May 28 at Colorado, and June 1 at home against Columbus.
Blake probably will not be around for the June 1 game, but the two previous dates are still in question.
The Union's backup keepers are Matt Jones and John McCarthy, and Curtin indicated that the battle for the backup spot has been close.
Blake said that all he is concerned about is D.C. United.
"There is a little buzz around this game and I will be ready and I will prepare the same for this as any game," Blake said.
As for injuries, Brazilian midfielder Ilsinho did not make the trip Saturday for the 1-1 tie at Montreal and has missed three of the last six games with what Curtin has described as nagging injuries.
"He will be close for selection this weekend," Curtin said.
United is 3-4-4 but has been playing much better since starting the season 0-2-3.
@sjnard