When the final whistle sounded on Saturday at Orlando City Stadium, all Adam Grinwis could do was savor the moment.
He was in shock, it seemed, to have posted a clean sheet in his MLS debut. But more than shock at a career milestone, it was the realization of his dream that stunned Grinwis.
A fourth-year pro out of the University of Michigan, Grinwis spent three seasons in the USL working to one day make it to MLS. This past offseason he had opportunities to be a starter in the USL, but he also had an opportunity to be a third-string in MLS.
From there, it was just waiting for the call and being ready when it came.
“It was something I was hoping was going to happen,” Grinwis said after the match. “I haven't really suited up many times this season but I've been trying to fight my way into that role and last week [in Chicago] I dressed and that was a good start. Obviously, I was on loan and got some games in Utah and that really prepared me. I think that was my goal with coming back was to hopefully get involved here towards the end of the season."
Grinwis stands out on the training pitch for his remarkable athleticism, but around the team he’s known for his infectious positivity.
“He works hard every day, comes in with a great attitude,” captain Jonathan Spector said. “He’s a great guy around the locker room.”
Grinwis and his teammates were all smiles after picking up their first MLS clean sheet since April, but for a moment it looked as though Grinwis’ debut would be remembered for another reason. In the 15th minute, Grinwis was dispossessed in the box, leaving Houston with a tap-in. But amazingly, Video Review came to the rescue.
“Obviously it's a nerving moment and I'm sorry to everybody else who had to go through that with me. That would have been a big black eye on the debut,” Grinwis said. “I was really thankful that justice was served on that one."
Aside from that near catastrophe it was a relatively calm night for Grinwis, who only had to come up with three saves. But he did have to come up with a huge one-on-one stop in the 57th minute when Houston’s Romell Quioto found himself in alone. Grinwis confidently stood his ground at the top of the area and got some help from Spector, who headed away the rebound as Grinwis backpedaled into position.
Afterward, as he waited to do his first postgame media availability, Grinwis laughed as he scrolled through countless texts of congratulations before calling his dad.
A moment of reflection after the biggest game of his life.
“I knew what I signed up for this year,” Grinwis said. “I had options you know, opportunities to be a No. 1 in the USL. I've been in the USL the last few years and it's always been my dream to be a starter in MLS. I know when MLS comes calling, you don't say no because you never know when they're going to come calling again. So when I got the chance to be a No. 3, I knew what I was fighting against. We have three other fantastic goalkeepers here, two of which had fantastic seasons last year. So I expected to come in and work and get better. And this season, those guys have pushed me and brought me to levels that I didn't really know I could get to. It challenged me and the staff has really helped me get to a place where I feel like this is where I belong, but I didn't know that and I wouldn't have known that if I didn't get that chance today. So, chances may come few and far between but you got to take advantage of it and I'm very thankful that one came tonight."
