Philadelphia Union take Andre Blake in MLS draft
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Connecticut goalkeeper Jamaican Andre Blake didn’t know much about Philadelphia before arriving in the city for Major League Soccer’s draft on Thursday.
In front of a swarm of local fans that flooded the Philadelphia Convention Centre, the hometown Union selected Blake with the top overall pick — making him the first goalie to be selected Number 1.
The Union originally held the second pick but made a surprising draft-day trade with the rival DC United to move up, giving up some cash in the deal.
DC United got their specific target with the second pick in California centre back Steven Birnbaum, one of the most experienced players available. Another Cal defender — Christian Dean — was selected with the third pick by the Vancouver Whitecaps.
