ORLANDO, Fla. -- Orlando City hoped a new manager and some new faces would bring new results. The feeling in the stands certainly confirmed that excitment.
The results will have to wait. Even if the optimism remains.
Orlando City finished their season opener, the debut for new coach Oscar Pareja, with a 0-0 draw against Real Salt Lake at Exploria Stadium.
"The performance was very right and our players had a great effort, and the intensity, and that passion that I want to see from this team was in the pitch and I am very proud," Pareja said.
The Lions controlled possession and outshot Real Salt Lake 9-5 in the game, getting two shots on target. Orlando City had the best chances in the game with Chris Mueller sending a shot over the bar in the 74th minute and newcomer Junior Urso missing a shot in stoppage time.
"I think we played well but we have to be better if we want to get through this year so we have to be better to score the goals but it’s the first game and we have the time to be better," Urso said.
The Lions return to action next Saturday at Colorado.