André Blake (left) shakes hands with MLS Soccer Commissioner, Don Garber, after being selected by the Philadelphia Union at the 2014 Major League Soccer SuperDraft, Thursday, January 16, 2014, in Philadelphia. - AP

A trio of Jamaicans emerged among the top 10 players selected in yesterday's Major League Soccer (MLS) SuperDraft, with Andre Blake becoming the first goalkeeper in the history of North America's premier professional competition taken with the highest pick.

In what was the best MLS draft showing by Jamaicans, Blake, 23, an All-American in three seasons at the University of Connecticut, was chosen by Philadelphia Union during a ceremony held in the United States city where the club is based.

He was followed in the first round of the draft by local-based 19-year-old midfielder André Lewis (picked seventh by Vancouver Whitecaps) and 20-year-old defender Damion Lowe, from University of Hartford (eighth by Seattle Sounders).

Romena Bowie, a fourth Jamaican in the draft, was overlooked in yesterday's first two rounds, but is eligible for rounds three and four on January 21.

Blake, who was outstanding at the recent MLS Player Combine, and viewed among the most "pro ready" players in Florida, expressed shock at being the top choice.

"It was a big surprise to me," he told ESPN television. " I really didn't see number one coming."

Despite the lofty expectations, Blake doesn't believe he will be under added pressure to perform for a team which failed to make the 2013 MLS play-offs.

"It's nothing I can't handle," he said.

Philadelphia Union, original holder of the second pick, obtained the right to pick first after a draft-day trade with DC United. The club didn't hesitate to bank on Blake.

"We felt that he was the type of player and person we couldn't pass up," Philadelphia coach, John Hackworth, told ESPN.

Lowe was especially happy to become a professional footballer like his father Onandi, a former Jamaica World Cup star who once played in MLS.

"I always wanted to follow my dad's footsteps," he said.

Lowe called his selection by Seattle," A great feeling and a dream come true." He's welcomed the chance to play at a club with loyal spectator support.

"Seattle Sounders is a great, great club," Lowe said. "The fan base is large and I look forward to that."

Lewis, who was absent from yesterday's draft ceremony, will join fellow Jamaican Darren Mattocks at Vancouver. Mattocks, a former high draft pick, is entering his third season with Vancouver, who also missed MLS play-off 2013.

Blake will become the second Jamaican goalkeeper in MLS. Donovan Ricketts, voted the league's best last season, plays for Portland Timbers.

Blake, Lowe and Lewis, all Jamaica youth internationals, are expected to join their clubs for pre-season training within the next two weeks. The 2014 MLS season kicks off in early March.