Union Starting 11 Preview: 2018 Goalkeepers

Less than a week away from opening day and we are down to our final preview. As far as depth charts, it doesn’t get any easier than this. Let’s take a look at the 2018 goalkeepers for the Philadelphia Union.

Andre Blake

The best draft pick in club history was selected number one overall in 2014. Despite the Rais M’Bolhi disaster, perpetuated by former CEO Nick Sakiewicz, Blake luckily stuck around. In his third season, and first full season starting in-goal, Blake was named 2016 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year. His reputation reached more of an international stage when he was given the Golden Gloves award for best goalkeeper at the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup, leading Jamaica to the final game before leaving to injury in the early minutes.

For a while, I had hoped Blake would put on a few pounds but now I think any additional weight could hinder the best parts of his game – quickness and agility. The only fault I find in his game is that his service/distribution is not always up to par. He has single-handedly saved the Union from defeat with superman-like ability on numerous occasions as evidenced here in his most spectacular performance of his career. Check out the look on the Revolution supporter’s face at 1:55!

Pencil him in for every match in 2018 unless his native Jamaica comes calling.

John McCarthy

The most physically imposing of the Union goalkeepers, John McCarthy epitomizes Philly toughness. Growing up in Northeast Philadelphia, he started all four of his seasons at LaSalle University. McCarthy had his hometown pulling for him when he won his first MLS start in 2015 and has always displayed emotion and appreciation for where he comes, and the support this area gives back to him. As much as I like having him on the squad, I don’t agree with some that he’s good enough to be the full-time starter if Blake were to move on in the future. McCarthy doesn’t do anything spectacular but has demonstrated he can be a solid substitute should Blake be injured or called to international duty. When the U.S. Open Cup rolls around each year, there’s no one I’d rather see between the posts for the Union. He’s earned it.

Jake McGuire

In 67 matches while attending Tulsa University, Jake McGuire averaged a shutout every four games. After being drafted and then waived by the Houston Dynamo in 2017, McGuire signed on with Bethlehem Steel FC, recording 5 shutouts in 22 starts. We all know that McGuire won’t see any action with the big club as long as Blake and McCarthy are healthy. Expect to see him start the season at Bethlehem and making the 18 for a few select matches as the season wears on.

Updated CAM

With Ilsinho going down with an injury in the preseason, we have to adjust who we think will be the starting #10. Tim, Matt and myself weighed in on the issue.

Tim

Since Ilsinho is out, the Union are looking to their youth to step up in a big spot. Anthony Fontana greatly impressed the coaching staff this preseason, and showed a comfortably working in front of Haris Medunjanin and Alejandro Bedoya. Adam Najem showed skill in the attacking third linking up plays to create offensive sparks. It seems like one of these two will get the start baring the signing and implementation of Borek Dockal. I See Fontana getting the start on March Third, and Dockal coming on in the 70th minute for the youngster.

Matt

When looking at the options the Union have at the 10, Fontana fits the system best. The team is going to play with a high tempo, so pressure and discipline is key. Fontana brings that. He is a little conservative with his passing but is a great asset on the defensive side of the ball. He cuts off passing lanes, and can help the Union press. I love Najem, but Fontana works better for the system as the CAM. That being said, I think the Union surprise everyone by signing Dockal and starting him. He should be in good enough shape since the Chinese league has runs around the same time as the Union. I see him starting.

Jeff

Of the two players currently on the roster, I love Adam Najem, but I see Fontana getting the start over him. With the way preseason has gone and the praise that Curtin gave Fontana, there seems to be no way he doesn’t start.

Since two out of the three of us chose Fontana as the starter, we’ll put him in our projected starting 11. However, if Matt’s prediction is correct, and Dockal is signed and ready to play this Saturday, then we will be happy to be wrong.

Projected Union Starting 11

There you have it! Your 2018 Philadelphia Union Preview is complete. We’ll be around here on Philly Sports Network bringing you the latest MLS news as well as Union pre-game, post-game analysis, along with player interviews and fan reaction. Time to DOOP!