Spurs‘ young keeper Brandon Austin made his debut for Orlando City, lining up alongside former Manchester United star Nani in a 3-2 victory over Jermain Defoe’s former club, Toronto FC, in the MLS this weekend, with their number one Pedro Gallese out with Peru on international duty.
The on-loan 22-year-old had a very impressive year with Viborg FF last season, but this campaign has been a lot more difficult as he has had to spend much of his time on the bench, and fight a lot harder for an opportunity – but thankfully due to the Copa America, he now has it.
What a night! 3 points! 🦁✅
Delighted to make my @orlandocitysc debut! Made even better with the team win! Looking forward to seeing you all back inside the stadium Tuesday! 💜 pic.twitter.com/kUDSejUtP5— Brandon Austin (@baustin__) June 20, 2021
“It felt really good to make my debut – it was a crazy game, very eventful, so to come out of it with a win was really good and it made the moment even more enjoyable,” Brandon told the official Spurs website after the match.
“The team and everyone around the club have made me feel welcome since I’ve arrived here, so to now get this opportunity that I’ve worked hard for is really pleasing, especially again because we won the game and it was a really important three points.
Defensive error on the ensuing goal, but this was a solid first save for Brandon Austin in his MLS debut https://t.co/7YtnpBj671
— Julia Poe (@byjuliapoe) June 19, 2021
“In terms of my experience here, I’m enjoying it,” Austin continued. “I’m learning all the time and I feel it’s definitely helping me to develop as a player.
“We have some great players in the squad and players with a lot of professional experience, so I’ve been trying to learn as much as I can from them. Everything is going well and I’m enjoying my time here a lot.”
Austin will be back in action against one of Spurs’ old affiliate clubs, San Jose Earthquakes, on Wednesday morning at 12:30am where he will be tasked with trying to keep out Chris Wondolowski who was tipped to join the club over ten years ago when he was a big prospect in American football.
Some clips from my first 2 games with @viborgff ☘️ Stay safe everyone and hopefully football everywhere can start again soon 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/ucAV1KBZq3
— Brandon Austin (@baustin__) April 17, 2020
Meanwhile, back in North London, Spurs might be on the lookout for a third choice keeper after Paulo Gazzaniga’s departure following the expiry of his contract, while Alfie Whiteman is still continuing his return from injury – but with a loan move on the cards for him, in-demand keeper Timothee Lo-Tutala could be thrust into the first team to deter any interest from the likes of Ajax and other top clubs in Europe who are interested in acquiring him.