Blake & Glesnes win accolades - Underline success of Philadelphia Union's squad build

Major League Soccer has announced that Philadelphia Union stars Andre Blake and Jakob Glesnes have won the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year and MLS Defender of the Year awards. The accolades further underline the success of the Union this season, who finished first in the Eastern Conference with 67 points from 34 games with just 26 goals conceded. 

The Union conceded just 26 goals in those games, and Blake kept 15 clean sheets this season—more than any other goalkeeper during the regular season (overview). Blake saved 79.4 percent of the shots he faced in 2022, more than any other goalkeeper to have played at least three games this season in MLS.

Glesnes, in the meantime, led a defense that has conceded the viewest goals in history since the MLS regular season has gone to 34 games. Furthermore, the Union conceded just nine goals at home and were the only team in the league to concede less than ten goals during the regular season. Glesnes was second in the league with 17 blocks at home and led his team with 57 interceptions.  

Glesnes & Blake: Crucial pieces of a successful Philadelphia Union side

While Blake was comfortably the number-one choice to win the goalkeeper of the year award, Glesnes had some internal competitions. The Norwegian finished ahead of his German teammate Kai Wagner, who came in second place overall but secured the majority of the club votes (29.3% over Glesnes' 28.5%)—Glesnes had the most votes among the media and players.

The remarkable part about all three players is that they cost the Union nothing in transfer fees and have increased their value significantly since joining the club. Blake was drafted from UConn Huskies in 2014 and has since increased his market value to €2.5m. Glesnes was signed for little money from Strømsgodset and has since increased his market value to €3m. Finally, Wagner arrived from Würzburger Kickers and has a market value of €4m and is in high demand in Europe. Not surprising, the Union have the fifth-best purchase value in MLS (overview).