U.S. advances to Gold Cup semifinals despite strong Blake performance

Stop if you’ve heard this before: “Andre Blake single handedly kept his team in the match.” 

The USMNT after a tough performance are moving to the Gold Cup semifinal after defeating Jamaica 1-0.

It was not the prettiest of matches for either side. It was a war of attrition for Gregg Berhalter’s side as they tried to slot one past Jamaica’s star man in net Andre Blake.

As he’s done over the past few years for club, Blake kept his side in the match to the best of his capabilities. There were multiple good opportunities for the US that would’ve gone past a lesser keeper. From his early spectacular save against an open Matthew Hoppe from point blank range, you knew it was going to be a classic Blake performance where he just seems invincible.

Eventually the U.S. were able to put one past the Philadelphia Union goaltender. A Cristian Roldan cross in the 83rd minute floated right over the outstretched hands of Blake. Hoppe would get Blake back for his heroic save earlier in the match, heading home the Roldan cross for his first international goal. 

For Philadelphia Union fans not from Jamaica, Sunday night was the best result possible.

Andre Blake once again proved why he is one of the best in the Americas at what he does, and he will be able to perform his craft for the Union once again. The Union have struggled in defense since their starman’s departure, unable to keep a clean sheet. With Philadelphia dropping points once again to last place Inter Miami Sunday night, fans will surely be ready for the return of Andre Blake, Cory Burke and Alvas Powell, who all started Sunday night for the Reggae Boyz.

Powell, however, did pick up an injury in the first half and Blake knocked heads with Miles Robinson on an attempted header late when he went forward into the box for a corner kick.