‘I’m just grateful’
Andre Blake reflects on 300 games milestone with Philadelphia Union
Published:Friday | February 28, 2025 | 12:07 AMGregory Bryce/Staff Reporter
Three hundred appearances for a single club is a milestone very few players achieve, a fact Reggae Boyz captain Andre Blake is well aware of as he looks back on his 11-year journey with Major League Soccer (MLS) outfit Philadelphia Union.
The 34-year-old Blake hit the major milestone when he started between the sticks in Philadelphia Union’s 4-2 win over Orlando City in the 2025 MLS season opener last weekend.
The veteran goalkeeper said he was blind-sided by the number of games as he had not been aware that he was closing in on 300 career games.
“You know, it’s funny,” he recalled. “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.”
As one of the veterans and leading voices in the club, Blake believes his storied career can prove an inspiration for younger players to emulate.
“It’s an incredible feeling, and as I get older, I appreciate it even more. This isn’t something I take for granted. There are so many players who never reach this milestone,” he said.
“I’m just grateful to be in this position, to inspire the younger generation, and to show them that with hard work and consistency, anything is possible.”
Drafted by the club in 2014, Blake has become a mainstay in the Philadelphia Union’s starting line up and a key figure in MLS history.
He has won the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award three times, in 2016, 2020 and 2022 and has been named in the MLS Best XI for those corresponding years.
He has also been named an MLS All-Star on four different occasions, listed in 2016, 2019, 2021 and 2022.
With the Union, he has won the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup three times, back-to-back between 2014 and 2015 with the third coming in 2018, as well as claiming the Supporter’s Shield in 2020.
Blake is gearing for more career successes as he eyes further accolades with Philadelphia Union.
“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 told The Gleaner.
“That’s where my mindset is - doing whatever it takes to help my team lift trophies,” he added.
A main part of achieving this goal will be his maturity earned from his years between the sticks and the support of his two sons.
MOTIVATION
“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,” the veteran goalkeeper said.
“My boys are a big part of my motivation. They watch my games, and when I go home, they challenge me. They’ll ask why I conceded a goal, and I have to answer to them. Their happiness when I win drives me to keep going.”