TFC's Luka Gavran looks to build upon 'best half' of his career
"I don't see myself as a backup. But it's part of the process as a young 'keeper. You have to pay your dues," Gavran told TFC Republic.
Luka Gavran only has eight appearances for Toronto FC since making his MLS debut last summer after signing with the club from TFC 2.
But Toronto's backup goalkeeper has been playing like a seasoned veteran while Sean Johnson recovers from a hamstring injury. Gavran, a 23-year-old from Hamilton, Ont., has started in each of the Reds’ last four games and recorded the first two clean sheets of his young career in recent wins over Charlotte FC and Atlanta United FC.
However, a strong argument can be made that Gavran’s best showing came in Toronto’s 3-1 home loss to Sporting Kansas City this past weekend when he made six saves through the opening 45 minutes. It's not an exaggeration to suggest that the margin of defeat could've been even worse if not for Gavran's first-half heroics. In doing so, he has given coach John Herdman something to think about: Whether to go right back to Johnson when he returns from injury or to stick with Gavran.
In this one-on-one interview with TFC Republic, Gavran talks about being the No. 2 goalkeeper for Toronto FC, backing up Johnson, his ambitions to become the Reds' starter, and much more.
This Q&A has been lightly edited and trimmed for brevity and clarity.
