Jacob Shaffelburg’s first exposure to the pressure of being a starter for Toronto FC was a bit overwhelming.
The Canadian teenager admitted his nerves got the better of him in the minutes leading up to his debut in front of 24,598 fans against Atlanta United at BMO Field on Wednesday.
Several teammates tried to put the 19-year-old from Port Williams, N.S., at ease, counselling him to be himself. The match then began. All of a sudden, it was just another game for Shaffelburg. He was right in the middle of it.
The forward raced down the left side.