Andre Blake’s return to the field for the Philadelphia Union helped them secure a vital clean sheet and despite missing on some opportunities to go in front a 0-0 draw against a top Liga MX opponent should be viewed as a positive with a deciding second leg test coming next week.

In the email today:

1. 🧤 Blake Records Vital Clean Sheet in Return vs Pachuca

Andre Blake’s impact on the Philadelphia Union really can’t be overstated and with his team struggling in the early going conceding goals his presence was key in their stand against a tough attacking team in Pachuca on Tuesday night.

Blake didn’t have to make any highlight reel saves but there were plenty of nervy moments at no fault of his own, including an errant back pass from Jakob Glesnes that put the Jamaican international under and a handball call that was reversed via VAR because of an earlier Pachuca handball. Nathan Harriel stepped in at center back and did well to cover for the absence of Damion Lowe and Jack Elliott while Jose Martinez turned in the kind of performance you need in intercontinental play.

Going the other way the Union had looks and a couple chances but weren’t able to capitalize on a Pachuca team that had to send help on the wing to contain Quinn Sullivan. Not having Julian Carranza in the attack was a blow and Daniel Gazdag overcooking a chip off a spill from Carlos Moreno was a case of what could’ve been. But still the Union are in decent shape because any goal next week gives them the tiebreaker advantage.

It will be a tall task for sure but the Union making the quarterfinals is very much in play.

But first Seattle Sounders on Saturday.

2. ☘️ March Giveaway: Donovan McGlynn’s Shirt

To celebrate the month of March, we are going to be giving away a limited edition Donovan McGlynn’s shirt for our member giveaway this month. All monthly and annual Philadelphia Soccer Now members and annual subscribers to The River End will be entered into the drawing. Deadline to be entered into the drawing is this Saturday, March 9. You can also pre-order one.

3. 🏈 Tweet of the Day: Columbus Charlie Brown

Props to the Minnesota United digital team for this banger.

4. 💧 Water Cooler: Goal Prediction Results

No one predicted a Union goose egg last night, which makes sense given their attacking form of late. A clean sheet was definitely less likely than being shut out but hopefully the goal will come in Mexico instead.

5. 🔗 Link Roundup

• Weigh in on the player performances from last night in our Community Player Ratings poll.

• Matt McClain’s recap from last night’s scoreless draw.

• Club Eleven highlighted Philly club the Uhrik Truckers aka German Hungarians and their 1936 U.S. Open Cup run in their newsletter.

• Mike Barrera recapped last night’s draw for AAT Sports.

• If you haven’t already listen to Dave Leno’s radio call on Ale Bedoya’s late equalizer in Kansas City.

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