Union's Andre Blake needs 7 stitches after hurting hand in Gold Cup
The star goalkeeper, Team Jamaica's captain, will be reevaluated when he returns to Philadelphia, the Union says.
Union goalkeeper Andre Blake suffered a laceration to his right hand Wednesday while playing for Jamaica in the CONCACAF Gold Cup final.
Blake was unable to return to the field in the 2-1 loss to the United States in Santa Clara, Calif. Jamaica's captain split the "web of his hand between his index and middle finger," according to a statement from the Union. The laceration required seven stitches that will be in for 10 days, but X-rays after the game were negative.
Blake was hurt in the 18th minute when he made a diving save to block a shot from Jozy Altidore, then sprang forward to punch away a second shot from Kellyn Acosta. The keeper waited until the ball was cleared to crouch down in the goalmouth, clutching his hand.
"I wasn't sure what it was," Blake, 26, said after the game. "I just knew I got hit, so I took off my glove and saw it was a pretty bad cut, so I knew I wasn't going to be able to continue, but that happens sometimes."
Blake was a standout in the Gold Cup tournament. He notched six saves in a last-minute win over Mexico in the quarterfinals and stopped 13 shots in the group stage. He was the backbone of his team, allowing only two goals in the tournament, and his athletic performances in goal cemented the Golden Gloves award. In a news conference ahead of Wednesday's game against Columbus, coach Jim Curtin praised Blake's performance in the tournament.
"You can tell their whole group knows they can take risks because they know Andre is behind them," Curtin said. "That's a strong thing. He provides that kind of blanket back there. They're fearless. He's a great goalkeeper and we're really lucky to have him."
Blake is expected to return to his starting post for the Union, but when he'll be able to play is unclear. The team says he'll be reevaluated when he returns to Philadelphia.