Orlando City SC signs goalkeeper Javier Otero to First Team deal

ORLANDO, Fla. (July 10, 2023) – Orlando City SC has signed Academy and Orlando City B product Javier Otero to a First Team contract as a Homegrown player through 2024, with Club options in 2025 and 2026, it was announced today.

The 20-year-old joined the Orlando City Academy in 2017, taking each step along the Club’s development pathway, first debuting for Orlando City B in 2020 while the side was a member of USL League One. Since then, Otero has occupied the sticks for the last two seasons for Orlando City B in MLS NEXT Pro, finishing the league’s inaugural season in 2022 as its saves leader with 100 stops.

"Javier is someone that we’ve seen show true talent and a willingness to work hard and keep developing his game at every level in our Club,” said EVP of Soccer Operations and General Manager Luiz Muzzi. “He’s impressed us in training every day and has shown everyone what he’s capable of in MLS NEXT Pro. We’re excited to see him complete our development pathway to the First Team and reward him with this opportunity.”

Otero has defended the OCB posts 15 times so far this season, maintaining three clean sheets and making 46 saves in that span. The Cumana, Venezuela native has also saved two penalty kicks this year and was recently called-up to the Venezuelan National Team for its friendlies in the United States. The 20-year-old has made 32 total appearances across his Orlando City B career, posting 146 total saves and seven shutouts all-time.

In addition, Otero has been called up to the First Team via short-term agreements beginning in June 2022 and most recently for the Club’s three-game stretch from June 17-24, but has yet to make his First Team debut. He now becomes the second goalkeeper for the First Team to come from the Club’s Academy, joining fellow Homegrown netminder Mason Stajduhar.

TRANSACTION: Orlando City SC signs goalkeeper Javier Otero as a Homegrown player through 2024, with Club options in 2025 and 2026.