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Union should give top pick Andre Blake a chance

It's time for Andre Blake to be the regular goalkeeper for the Union. Don't be surprised if they make the move for their next game, Saturday at Columbus.

It's time for Andre Blake to be the regular goalkeeper for the Union. Don't be surprised if they make the move for their next game, Saturday at Columbus.

This is not to suggest that keeper John McCarthy was the reason for Sunday's 2-1 Major League Soccer loss to the New England Revolution at PPL Park.

No, both goals were scored when New England's players got by the defense and scored from close range.

Could McCarthy have been more decisive on the second goal and come out quicker on Diego Fagundez's pass that Teal Bunbury converted? It's possible, but it is more than just about one game, one play, why this change should be made.

McCarthy, might have a bright future, but Blake was the No. 1 overall pick in MLS SuperDraft last year.

He has played only one MLS game. That came last season. A year ago, Zac MacMath was the original starter before the Union signed Algeria World Cup standout Rais Mbolhi.

As we know, the signing of Mbolhi hasn't worked out. Blake would have been the solid No. 2 to begin the season had he not needed left knee surgery. On Feb. 23, he underwent a "partial menisectomy" and was expected to be out four to six weeks.

He returned to training the week of March 23 and has been available for selection for the Union's last three games. Had McCarthy gotten hurt, Blake would have had to play.

Blake is 24 years old so he's at the age where he needs to get experience. Last year was a wash for him. There is only so much a player can get out of practice.

He has great athletic ability, but like most keepers, he needs to be put in the line of fire to refine his skills.

Blake became the first keeper to be taken with the top pick in the history of the MLS SuperDraft.

If anything, the Union have to see what they have here.

McCarthy won his debut, a 2-1 victory over New York City FC on April 11 at PPL Park. He was in goal for Thursday's 1-1 draw with the same NYCFC team Thursday at Yankee Stadium.

There have been some ill-advised plays in his three games, but that is to be expected from someone who is playing in MLS for the first time. There were also some good plays as well.

And Blake, no doubt, will also make some mistakes, but assuming he is fully healthy, and we have gotten indication that is the case, then this is his time.

Blake has waited his turn and it's time to turn the team over to him. The Union know if they have to use McCarthy that the players have confidence in him.

By all accounts, there is also confidence in Blake and now is the time to give him the chance to show why the Union thought so highly of him during last year's SuperDraft.

mnarducci@phillynews.com

@sjnard