Auro Alvaro da Cruz Junior, simply known as Auro Jr., is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a right back for the Toronto FC.
Club career
Auro Jr. began his club career with São Paulo in 2014, where he made a combined 34 appearances in Brazil's Serie A and the Campeonato Paulista over three seasons. He later spent time on loan at Clube Atlético Linense in 2016, and with América Mineiro in 2017, making a total of 14 appearances between Brazil's Serie B, Primeira Liga and Mineiro 1 competitions with the latter side. He subsequently returned to São Paulo in 2018, after his loan spell had ended. On 13 February 2018, it was announced that Auro Jr. had been signed on loan by MLS side Toronto FC with an option to buy. He made the decision to come to Toronto after speaking to his São Paulo teammate and former Toronto FC striker Gilberto, turning down opportunities to play in South America, Portugal and Spain in favour of joining Toronto. He made his club debut on 20 February 2018, in a 2–0 away win against the Colorado Rapids in the first leg of their round of 16CONCACAF Champions League tie. In his debut season with the club, Auro made 28 appearances across all competitions, registering five assists. On 17 December 2018, Toronto opted to purchase Auro Jr. permanently from São Paulo. In 2019, he was determined to be the best right-back in the league according to Opta advanced statistics.
International career
At international level, Auro Jr. has represented Brazil at U-17 and U-20 level. At the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup, in the quarter-finals against Mexico, he scored his teams tenth penalty kick during the shootout which they lost 11–10, after the game ended 1–1 after extra time.
Style of play
A versatile defender, Auro Jr. is usually deployed as a right-back, but is capable of playing on either flank. Regarding Auro Jr.'s playing style, Tim Bezbatchenko – Toronto FC's senior vice-president of soccer operations and general manager – said in 2018 that he is "...a very capable two-way player and an important part of our team. Auro Jr. is an attacking threat on the wing who also puts in solid defensive work."
