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Blake expected to start in goal again for Union

It took Union goalkeeper Andre Blake more than a year to earn his second career Major League Soccer start. Barring an unforeseen circumstance, it should take only a week to earn his third.

It took Union goalkeeper Andre Blake more than a year to earn his second career Major League Soccer start. Barring an unforeseen circumstance, it should take only a week to earn his third.

Union coach Jim Curtin all but said during his news conference Wednesday that Blake will be in goal when the Union (7-13-6) host the New England Revolution (9-9-7) on Saturday at PPL Park.

"He is part of the plan right now," Curtin said when asked if Blake would start the MLS game. "We are still discussing it, but that is in our minds to have him as the starter this week."

Blake, the No. 1 overall MLS SuperDraft selection in 2014, made his season debut Saturday during a 1-0 win in Montreal. It was his first MLS action since he made his first start in a 2-0 loss at Houston on Aug. 15, 2014.

Blake, who underwent surgeries on both knees this season, will be leaving the Union from Monday through Sept. 8 to join Jamaica for two World Cup qualifiers. Jamaica will play Nicaragua Sept. 4 and 8.

Union keeper Brian Silvestre, who has started 12 games, remains out with a hand injury.

"I think it is the Andre Blake story," Blake said about his up-and-down professional beginning. "Sometimes you have to go through tough times to build character and that is how it has been for me, and hopefully something great will come down the line."