It was a 3-1 loss for an Orlando City B squad still getting to know each other. One name on the sheet reminds supporters that better decisions are coming.
In a span of only five minutes, Huntsville City FC went up 2-0 against Orlando City B. Those goals came from Shak Mohammed and Jordan Knight. They were the only ones the opponents would need to win.
But those disappointing goals did awaken something in the Lions. They began applying sustained pressure. No more Huntsville scores came in that half. But in first-half stoppage time, Orlando midfielder Gustavo Caraballo slipped past the opponents’ defense.
He got the ball to striker Harvey Sarajian. It was a chance. He got past two defenders, around a charging netminder, and scored. It’s the first score of his career.
But Huntsville had more tricks up its sleeve in the second half. Orlando found strength as Lions netminder Javier Otero stood tall. Then, in the 55th minute, the opponents were awarded a penalty kick.
The accomplished goalkeeper stood tall, still, and turned the kick away. That was his fifth time across all competitions for the team.
Huntsville kept pouring it on, and seven minutes later, intercepted the ball in midfield. On a long shot, he banked his second score of the night.
Even in supporters’ disappointment at the result, the name of Javier Otero spells hope. He returns to Orlando City B with seasoning with the First Team. He has gotten the call to keep goal three times, two of those starts. He has a shutout for the squad across all competitions.
He’s an Academy product, joining the developmental pathway in 2017. He’s the second goalkeeper from the Orlando City Academy to join the First Team.
At the international level, he debuted with the Venezuelan National Team in 2023 in a friendly with Colombia.
Orlando City B will rise up for their share of good results this season. Their strength will begin with a potent defense. Javier Otero will stand tall in goal to anchor that defense.