It’s opening week! Time for speculation into the teams starting 11. We’re going to project starters position by position! Here’s the Starting 11 for 2017 opener. Starting with the most important spot Keeper.
This is a no brainer. The keeper position belongs to Andre Blake. The Jamaican international, and the reigning MLS keeper of the year, looks poised for another strong season with the Union. Strong performances at the end of preseason have Blake ready for Vancouver, and the Union will need him to be great if they want to get a victory to start the season.
#SavesByDre https://t.co/tFKl7dydQr via @giphy
— Eugene Rupiński (@GolazodelGringo) February 23, 2017
Blake has a knack for the outstanding save. His agility, and instinct to make split second reaction set him apart from other keepers. Because of this, Blake’s value is very high. Many, including myself, thought he would be sold this past offseason. However, no foreign suitors came knocking according to Earnie Stewart, so the Union keep their all-star keeper. Blake being committed to this team is another huge plus. A player of his talent could want to play in “bigger” leagues where his talents would be tested even more. Blake, seems to be content in MLS with Philadelphia. The Union will need his talents to be a successful team in 2017, especially during the first few months of the season.
#Union Tweets: #SavesByDre has reached new heights making @SportsCenter number ☝️ play for last night! https://t.co/rofC5hU1W1 #MLS #Soccer
— Philadelphia Union (@unionledger) July 29, 2016
The Union are still meshing on the defensive side. A battle at left back should see both Fabinho, and Giliano Wijnaldum at times. A three to four-month injury to Josh Yaro through’s right-center back into flux for the start of the year. The Union’s defense is troubling, but they have Blake! Andre being Andre could be enough to get the Union results when they play isn’t very stellar. So need any more reasons why Blake should be the 2017 starter? Try these!
https://twitter.com/PhilaUnion/status/798665460120064000
https://twitter.com/PhilaUnion/status/827257990612865024
https://twitter.com/PhilaUnion/status/801176025694543873
https://twitter.com/PhilaUnion/status/800851640676806659
If Blake can make a few of these types of saves early in the year, the Union will be a successful team. Because of his skill set, Blake is the starter for the Union. John McCarthy didn’t show much in preseason to make the coaches think otherwise. Andre Blake will be the starter for the 2017 season.
Heres a look at the lineup so far! Come back to Philly Sports Network later for more 2017 starting lineup projections! Until then, peace out Union fans!
Starting GK for Union is a no brainer! It's @andreblake29 Check @PhiladelphiaSN for more on who the starters for 2017 should be #DOOP pic.twitter.com/tOPyvDRZY9
— Tim Lovenguth (@Tim_Lovenguth) February 27, 2017
Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
