‘My focus remains on winning trophies with my team’ - Blake hits 300-game milestone for Philadelphia Union

Philadelphia Union's 4-2 victory over Orlando City last weekend was more than just a win for Reggae Boyz captain Andre Blake, it was his 300th career appearance for the Major League Soccer (MLS) club.

Blake is the first player to hit the milestone for the MLS club, an achievement he was unaware of until his coach had mentioned it in their pre-match meeting.

"You know, it's funny. During our pre-game meeting, the coach asked how many games I had played for the Union. When he said 300, I was honestly surprised because I hadn't been keeping track. It's an incredible feeling, and as I get older, I appreciate it even more," the veteran goalkeeper said.

Blake was drafted by Philadelphia Union in 2014 after impressing throughout his collegiate career with the University of Connecticut.

In his career spanning eleven years, the goalkeeper has been named captain for the club, three times MLS Goalkeeper of the Year (2016, 2020 and 2022) and four-time MLS All-Star (2016, 2019, 2021 and 2022).

Blake said despite his personal achievements, his aim is to achieve further success with his club as he eyes lifting silverware with Philadelphia Union.

He had won back-to-back Lamar Hunt US Open Cup titles in 2014 and 2015, before adding a third trophy in 2018.

Philadelphia Union also won the Supporter's Shield in 2020, a trophy given to the MLS team with the most points during the regular season.

"I've achieved a lot personally, but my focus remains on winning trophies with my team. Individual accolades are great, but I want more team success to complement them."

He continued, "That's where my mindset is -- doing whatever it takes to help my team lift trophies."

Heading into another MLS season, his 12th with the Union, Blake said he will be aiming to push the limits on what he had achieved the previous year.

"I've matured a lot, both on and off the field. Every year, I focus on growth, pushing myself to take that next step and never getting complacent. Consistency is key for me, always finding ways to improve and maximise my potential."

Blake's next assignment will see him face off against FC Cincinnati in MLS action on Saturday, with his next international duty being the Concacaf Gold Cup preliminaries against St Vincent and the Grenadines in a two-legged fixture on March 21 and 25.

gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com