Seattle Sounders: 3 Keys Versus the Philadelphia Union

By Paul Taylor | Apr 15, 2016

Jun 24, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Seattle Sounders FC midfielder Cristian Roldan (7) controls the ball past the defense of Philadelphia Union defender Raymon Gaddis (28) during the second half at PPL Park. The Union won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 6, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Philadelphia Union goalkeeper Andre Blake (1) defends against FC Dallas forward Fabian Castillo (11) in the second half at Toyota Stadium. FC Dallas won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

2) Andre Blake

This Union team is nothing like last year’s squad, which was one of the worst in MLS. They’ve won three of their last four games and enter Saturday’s action level on points at the top of the Eastern Conference.

One of the main reasons for this turnaround in fortunes has been the form of Andre Blake, who is sixth in the league with 19 saves. This includes eight against FC Dallas in Philadelphia’s home opener, the most in any one game so far this season.

Blake also leads MLS with eight catches and 16 keeper sweepings. He was limited to six appearances last season, but now looks primed to live up to the potential which saw him selected first overall in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft pick.

Next: Can Seattle take advantage of the home crowd?

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