Union head coach Jim Curtin describes the atmosphere among his young goalkeepers this season as a close-knit support system.

“We have three young goalkeepers who pushed each other in training each week, each trying to get ahead of the other come the weekend,” said Curtin. “But at the same time, they’ve been there for each other. They support each other.”

It is a support system with a wealth of youth and friendship that has generated a motivational and progressive training environment all year. An unfortunate string of injuries at different points throughout the season added ample opportunity for these competitive players to prove themselves.

“You can always tell while there’s disappointment not to be starting, they want the best for the guy in there and they’re going to be his biggest supporter,” said Curtin.

Brian Sylvestre, 22, spent the 2015 preseason training with the Union and then joined them on a loan from the Carolina Railhawks. He made his MLS debut against the Vancouver Whitecaps on May 9, where he made an impressive, career-high seven saves. After playing 12 games, the young goalkeeper’s season was cut short by injury, leaving the end of the season to be dominated by Andre Blake and John McCarthy during his recuperation.

This was the second season with the Union for Blake, who was the franchise’s number one 2014 SuperDraft pick. At just 24, many thought this would be his year to shine. However, Blake only played six games this season because of two major knee surgeries. His starts came late in the season, including a draw at New England Revolution in September where Blake let in only one goal and set the franchise single-game record with 10 saves.

“I would say even though I didn’t play a lot it was a successful season for me because I was able to get back on my feet after taking a couple knocks and I didn’t just shy or go hide myself somewhere,” the Jamaican international said. “I believed I could get back out there and do my thing.”

McCarthy also had his share of setbacks, including a concussion during practice in May. The chances he received were more than he initially expected for his rookie season in the MLS, but after he got a taste he wanted more.

“I thought I was coming in as a third-string, maybe in a fourth-string depending on the situation, at the start of the season,” said McCarthy, a Philadelphia native. “So, it’s been good for me overall because being able to get some games and experience at an MLS level and I’m grateful for the chance they’ve given me.”

The 23-year-old played 11 games this season, his most successful run being the Open Cup where he carried the Union through two penalty wins. His successes in goal helped the team to the final, which became the most anticipated game of the season.

Coming off the record-breaking game, Blake got the nod to start in net for the Open Cup final, which went into overtime and then penalties. In the last minutes of overtime, head coach Jim Curtin called on McCarthy, using his final substitution for a startling goalkeeper switch.

“Andre’s first words when he came off the field were ‘Yeah, we’re in this together. We support each other.’ They have a good relationship. Two young goalkeepers that have a tremendous amount of upside,” said Curtin.

While the night eventually tipped in favor of Sporting Kansas City, the move was a testament to the depth of the goalkeeper position and the confidence the coaching staff has in Blake and McCarthy as well as the confidence the keepers have in each other.

The coaching staff has lauded the keepers for their support of each other during the competitive, injury-plagued season, but to the players it’s just who they are.

“At the end of the day we all know that it’s a team so, whoever starts even though I might wanna start and he might wanna start, we all know that at the end of the day the team comes first, and once we win it’s not Andre Blake or John McCarthy who wins, it’s the Union,” said Blake.

For next season, Curtin seems to be looking to Blake for the starting job. He wants the young keeper to have a successful off-season with his national team, Jamaica, and potentially train with a team in Europe.

“He’s shown he is capable of being the man for the job long term, cause he’s still young,” Curtin said after the last game of the season. “It’s a good snapshot but I don’t want to get ahead of myself. He’ll have a good off-season, we’ll keep him busy, keep him going cause he’s feeling good right now.”

However, this goalkeeping unit will likely stay true to its competitive tendencies into next season, pushing whoever has the starting spot by reminding him that they are capable and willing to be there, too.

Contact Union writer Nina Cusmano at ncusmano@philadelphiaunion.com.