Backup goalkeeper Javier Otero gets another turn at the Orlando City SC net. Starter Pedro Gallese is out with yellow card accumulation.
Accumulated yellow cards have knocked out netminder Pedro Gallese from facing Montreal CF. Javier Otero is drilling to cover the goal for Orlando City SC in that match. He’s proved himself capable of this assignment.
Otero has three appearances (two MLS) in goal through May of this year. Across all competitions, he has two starts and a clean sheet. His contract with Orlando takes him through 2026 with club options through 2028.
His introduction to Lions supporters came at a tough time. The previous Orlando backup netminder started against New York City FC in a June 2024 match. Mason Stajduhar collided with striker Malachi Jones and left the game with New York leading 3-0.
With Otero taking over, Orlando turned up the offense. They didn’t win, but they stopped the shutout with a 4-2 final.
Otero is a product of the club's Academy. He joined City’s youth development pathway in 2017. By 2020, he was on the roster of Orlando City B. When the team transitioned to MLS NEXT Pro in 2022, he led the league in saves with 100.
He then became just the second Academy goalkeeper to join the first team.
The front office has described Otero as proof the club’s developmental pathway works.
His best MLS appearance was against D.C. United. There, he executed four claims. Opposing netminder Kim Joon-Hong only got one. Goalkeeper claims are taking possession of the ball. That includes catching it in the air or gathering it on the ground.
Claiming requires a keeper’s strong hands, excellent judgment of trajectory, and effective communication with teammates.
Otero’s growth continues just as his team needs it. The commitment to Javier Otero by Orlando City SC is paying off. Watch him against Montreal CF and find out.