Javier Otero wasn’t a name in Orlando City SC supporters’ minds until recently. It took a perfect storm to put the name there.
That storm began with goalkeeper Pedro Gallese called away for international duty for Peru. The storm intensified as that duty got extended.
Backup goalkeeper Mason Stajduhar was performing until the New York City FC match. He collided with striker Malachi Jones. Both players had to leave the game.
Next up for Orlando was Javier Otero Leon. The first half ended NYCFC 3 Orlando 0. Supporters heads reeled.
But the situation wasn’t exactly disastrous for most of the second half. Orlando City turned on the heat on both offense and defense.
By second-half stoppage time, Orlando forward Duncan McGuire scored and brought the Lions within a score of drawing the match.
Because of Orlando’s extraordinary teamwork during the final 45 minutes, the no. 3 keeper didn’t have to post even one official save. But by the fourth minute of stoppage time, New York striker Mounself combined with James Sands and Agustin Ojeda and put the game away, 4-2.
But after a dismal remaining first half, Orlando City mounted what almost, missing one save for new keeper Javier Otero, their finest comeback of the season.
It was Otero’s MLS debut. The 20-year-old comes in with his potential yet to be fulfilled. On his chart, all goalkeeper columns still have room to fill in between his expectations and his daily performance.
The homegrown keeper was only signed last year for the 2024 season with options through 2026. He joined the Academy in 2017, then Orlando City B in 2020.
General Manager Luiz Muzzi recognized that the team was investing in Otero’s talent as a developing player. Through hard work, he completed the club’s development pathway to the first team.
In Orlando City B, he made 32 appearances, 146 saves, and seven shutouts.
Gallese is still out for international duty and Stajduhar had surgery for his likely season-ending injury. It’s now time for Otero to make his saves for the first team of Orlando City SC.
And his first shutout would be excellent, too.