Union Select Goalkeeper With #1 Pick In MLS Draft
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The Philadelphia Union had trouble scoring goals down the stretch last season, which was a big reason they missed the playoffs for the second consecutive year. They didn't use the first overall pick in Thursday's MLS Superdraft on someone who could score goals, but who could prevent them.
The Union traded up to take goalkeeper Andre Blake out of the University of Connecticut. Blake was widely regarded as the best player available in the draft.
The team went into the draft with the second overall pick. They traded that pick, plus allocation money, to DC United for the first overall pick.
KYW's Matt Leon spoke with Blake. Listen here:
In 22 games for UConn last season, Blake finished with a record of 17-4-1, and had 12 shutouts with a 0.54 goals against average.
He was named an NSCAA First Team All-American, on to theSoccer America MVP First Team, and the College Soccer News Third Team All-American.