Andre Blake picked the right night to have a breakout performance.
The Philadelphia Union goalkeeper was a force in net Saturday night in the club’s 2-1 upset victory over Columbus Crew SC. His six-save effort was perhaps the biggest reason Philly walked out of MAPFRE Stadium with its first road win in the history of the series. The Black and Gold had won the previous seven meetings in Columbus.
Andre Blake’s Big Game Sparks Union Upset of Columbus Crew SC
It was the second straight week he was forced into action a multitude of times. A week earlier against FC Dallas, he parried away eight shots. That said, he also let in two as the Union fell 2-0 to open the regular season.
What Blake got a week later that he didn’t have in Frisco was help on the other side of the field. It came in the form of a brace from Chris Pontius.
His first goal came off a throw-in right at the stroke of half-time. The eight-year MLS veteran took advantage of some ball-watching off the throw to tap the ball past Columbus goalkeeper Steve Clark in first half stoppage time.
Then in the 71st minute, he struck again. The Union’s Keegan Rosenberry was able to wrest the ball away from Federico Higuaín in the middle third, which sparked a counter. C.J. Sapong took the ball down the right wing. Eventually Sebastian Le Toux would center it to Ilsinho. Though Columbus’ Michael Parkhurst was able to close him down, his clearance fell right to the feet of Pontius who buried it past Clark for the eventual game-winner.
It was Pontius first two-goal tally in a game since June 24, 2012.
But what preserved the surprise win for the Union was Blake’s ability to parry away pretty much everything that came his way. Philly head coach Jim Curtin emphasized that his performance was indicative of him rising to the occasion in 2016 after undergoing some adversity last season.
“He had a couple of injuries last year and finally (he’s) fully healthy,” Curtin told Andrew King of MLS Soccer.com. “We gave him the keys to this thing early in the pre-season and I think that was good for his mindset. He has run with it right now and he’s making some big saves.”
Crew SC right winger Ethan Finlay, who had a potential equalizing goal denied in the 57th minute, was equally complimentary of Blake’s play throughout the game. But he also emphasized that Columbus needs to improve its chemistry and ability to capitalize on chances created.
“I thought he had a nice game,” Finlay told Ben Ferree of Columbus Wired. “But we need to work on our service and getting on the same page.”
Though Columbus was able to halve the lead via a Kei Kamara header in the 87th minute (his first goal of the season) off a Mohammed Saeid corner, it wasn’t enough. As a result, the club has dropped two in a row to start the season for the first time since 2006. It also marked their first loss in the home opener since 2004.
With a three-game road trip looming, the Black and Gold are firmly behind the eight ball. The club’s lack of effectiveness in converting goal-scoring opportunities has to be frustrating. This is underscored by the fact that despite having a 19-6 edge in chances created against the Union, Crew SC ended up falling by a 2-1 scoreline for the second consecutive week.
But ultimately, it’s defensive breakdowns that hurt this team Saturday night. Despite the huge night from Blake, Crew SC head coach and sporting director Gregg Berhalter was adamant post-game that the play out of the back line in transition needs to improve.
“Having conceded those goals, you know, four goals in two games, (and) the way we’ve been conceding them, we’re not happy about it,” Berhalter told Nino Torres of ProstAmerika. “We’re going to need to be a little more focused on that and see if we can improve some.”
That move to improve must begin sooner rather than later. And with the club away from home until April 16th, they will have to do so in less than advantageous circumstances.
