Blake signs long-term deal with Union

National goalkeeper and captain Andre Blake has committed his long-term future to his Major League Soccer (MLS) club, the Philadelphia Union.

The club confirmed last Thursday that Blake, 30, has signed a contract extension which will run until 2024 with a club option for 2025.

Club sporting director Ernst Tanner said that they were delighted to be able to hold on to Blake who he says has continuously improved his game to be among the elite shot-stoppers in the league.

"Andre was the backbone of the best defence in MLS last season and has been a key piece of our club's success the past few seasons. As the rest of the league recognised last year, we have the best keeper in North America and he is continuously getting better," Tanner told the club's website

So far Blake has posted six clean sheets this season and a save percentage of 79.6 per cent. He was instrumental in helping the Union secure their first trophy in club history last season, the Supporter's Shield (regular-season championship). Additionally, he won the 2020 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award, his second time winning the individual honour and became the fifth goalkeeper to win the award at least twice.

Blake also holds club records for games played, games started and clean sheets as well as the single-season saves record (118 in 2018). Tanner said in addition to his performance on the field, he showed strong leadership in guiding the young players and maintaining the high standards of the locker room.

"While his play speaks for itself on the field, his mentality and the leadership role he has taken in our young squad has been as equally important. We are thrilled that he will remain with our club for years to come," Tanner said.

Blake made his international return on July 12, after more than a year away, in Jamaica's first Gold Cup game against Suriname which they won 2-0. Having already booked a place in the quarter-finals thanks to two straight wins, Jamaica will face Costa Rica today with an opportunity to win the group.