John McCarthy to start during Blake absence

Earlier today Jim Curtin told Philly.com former US Open Cup darling and current (usual) Bethlehem Steel FC starting goalkeeper John McCarthy will start for the Philadelphia Union in place of Andre Blake, who is on International Duty with Jamaica.

McCarthy has been serviceable for Steel FC this season, making 11 starts with a pretty good 1.27 Goals Against Average. For those unfamiliar, McCarthy is a natural shot stopper – not quite as athletic as Andre, but his instincts and positioning have always been good and have since gotten better. John’s emergence as a legitimate starting keeper was mostly seen in the USOC last year as he was the chosen goalie who lead the Union to their second Open Cup final in as many years in 2015.

He’ll stand in against the Chicago Fire, which looks to be a favorable match up for the Cinnaminson, New Jersey born keeper as despite scoring twice, the Fire got drowned out by a D.C. United squad that buried them for six goals in a crushing defeat.

Feeling any kind of way about the Helmet starting in net this weekend? Let us know in the comments below!