OFFICIAL: Another Australian-Vietnamese goalkeeper joins V.League, dreams of playing for Vietnam National Team

The Cong - Viettel has bolstered their backline for the upcoming season, with a standout addition being an Australian-Vietnamese goalkeeper who dreams of representing Vietnam.

Lawrence Caruso was born in 2004 in Melbourne, Australia and has both Vietnamese and Australian heritage. The 22-year-old goalkeeper trained at renowned youth academies such as Whittlesea Ranges, Melbourne City, and Dandenong City before gradually making a name for himself in Australia's professional football scene.

Caruso drew attention when he made his debut in the top-tier A-League for Central Coast Mariners at just 17 years old. Subsequently, the Vietnamese-heritage goalkeeper continued to gain experience in the National Premier Leagues (NPL) system, while also playing for the first teams of Western Sydney Wanderers and Green Gully SC.

He stands at 1m84 tall and is considered a modern "sweeper-keeper" style goalkeeper. Caruso's outstanding strength lies in his footwork. The 2004-born goalkeeper can distribute the ball well with both feet, while maintaining composure under pressure from opponents.

Notably, with Vietnamese blood in his veins, joining The Cong - Viettel holds special significance for Lawrence Caruso. The Vietnamese-heritage goalkeeper does not hide his dream of returning to his homeland to play and aiming for a chance to wear the Vietnam National Team jersey.

Caruso emotionally shared: "Returning to Vietnam to play has always been a great dream for me and my family. I hope to deliver the best performances and hope that one day I will be called up to the Vietnam National Team."

If he impresses in V.League 1, Lawrence Caruso could become a notable name among the group of Vietnamese-heritage players aiming for a spot on the Vietnam National Team.

Before Lawrence Caruso, Vietnamese football witnessed another Australian-Vietnamese player returning to V.League: Ngô Đăng Khoa. This player signed for CLB Công An TPHCM, completed Vietnamese citizenship procedures, and was called up to the Vietnam National Team for AFF Cup preparations. However, Ngô Đăng Khoa later had to withdraw from the squad due to an injury.

Alongside Lawrence Caruso, The Cong - Viettel also recruited Brazilian center-back Lucas Alves de Araujo. Born in 1992 and standing at 1m93, this player is expected to add strength, experience, and aerial ability to the military team's defense.

Lucas Alves came through the ranks in Brazil, was promoted to Corinthians' first team, and then spent many years playing in Europe and the Middle East. He has played for FC Luzern, made nearly 100 appearances in the Swiss Super League, and also played in Germany, Portugal, Greece, Saudi Arabia, and Romania. In the 2024/25 season, the 1m93 center-back contributed to Thép Xanh Nam Định's V.League 1 championship and stood out with his dueling and aerial abilities.