Union Keepers Summoned for FIFA Play

Report From Philadelphia Union

Chester, Pa. – Philadelphia Union announced today that goalkeepers Rais Mbolhi and Andre Blake have been called up to represent Jamaica and Algeria, respectively, for the upcoming International FIFA window from Nov. 10 – Nov. 18.

Mbolhi and Algeria clinched a berth in the 2015 African Nations Cup with a perfect 4-0 record through four group matches, and will play their final two group stage matches against Ethiopia (Nov. 15) and Mali (Nov. 19). Algeria advanced to the 2015 African Nations Cup on the back of two Mbolhi shutouts in October against Malawi.

Mbolhi posted a 1.00 goals-against-average in four League appearances for the Union this season, including a shutout against Houston on Sept. 20.

Blake and the Reggae Boyz are set to host the final eight-team stage of the 2014 Caribbean Cup at the Montego Bay Sports Complex. Jamaica (Group B) will face Martinique (Nov. 11), Antigua & Barbuda (Nov. 13) and Haiti (Nov. 15) in the group stage. Group runner-ups will play in a third place match on Nov. 17, followed by a championship match between group winners. The top four teams receive automatic bids to the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Blake has made five career appearances for the Reggae Boyz, last appearing in a 3-1 friendly loss to Canada on Sept. 9, 2014. He earned his first international cap earlier this year on March 2 in a 2-0 shutout victory over Barbados.

The first overall selection of the 2014 MLS SuperDraft, Blake made one League appearance for Philadelphia this season in addition to earning a pair of victories in two U.S. Open Cup matches.